After serving the local community for over 60 years, the Little Shoal Bay Boatyard’s (LSBB) licence was terminated by the Kaipatiki Local Board and Auckland Council on June 20, 2024.

Why are we trying to save Little Shoal Bay Boatyard?

For the Community

Little Shoal Bay Boatyard provides a unique point of interest for families and locals. The boatyard is like a museum that attracts people of all ages. They take interest in boats that are hauled out, checking out the underside of boats and gaining insights in what makes up a boat. It’s a little house on the water that takes you places. It plants a seed and provokes ideas in people, that maybe, someday they can appreciate Auckland’s beautiful harbour from their own boat.  

In recent years, the threat of closure has already led to a significant decrease in boat haulages, diminishing the vibrancy of the Birkenhead and Northcote communities.

Accessible Boating 

LSBB has an opportunity to become a key platform in fostering passion for sailing among entry-level enthusiasts in Auckland, the City of Sails. Tragically, the decision to terminate the boatyard's lease puts the sailing aspirations of many under threat, leaving it a sport for the privileged. This decision undermines the spirit of our community where sailing is not just a sport but a cherished lifestyle shared by many. 

LSBB promotes accessible boating. Boating may be considered an expensive hobby and lifestyle, but LSBB demonstrates that boating isn't just for the wealthy. LSBB offers affordable and controlled haulout services, making this cherished pastime accessible to a wider audience. You don’t need to have a $200,000+ boat and a high salary to enjoy the harbour and Auckland’s coastline. The boats hauled out recently ranged between $6,000 – $15,000. LSBB's focus is to provide affordable support for small boat owners both locally and from the Auckland area.

The average cost of hauling out your boat for a week and putting it on a hard stand in Auckland is $1239 a week. The cost for the same service at Little Shoal Bay, was as low as $600 for 6 months. Although the facilities are very basic at Little Shoal Bay, it is not for profit and amazing value for money.

For many, it is the difference between getting into boating and being able to look after your boat, or not being able to at all.

Avoiding Environmental Harm

The closure of affordable haulouts like LSBB will likely lead to environmental harm. Boat owners across Auckland will either forego essential maintenance or resort to working in their local bays, increasing pollution risks. LSBB, maintains a strict Zero Environmental Impact Policy. Our members use best practices available like vacuum sanders, drop sheets, and daily removal of all waste (amongst other policies), and actively participate in beach clean-ups.

Boatyard in Winter

The boat yard operates in Winter, from 1 May to 31 November when the numbers of people using the reserve are much lower than in Summer and has made concessions over the years to decrease the area it occupies from approx 4250m2 down to 2500m2 specifically to enable greater access to the foreshore area for other users of the reserve. The public are welcome to view the boats out of the water and talk to their owners. Which is rare, as most haulout facilities are fenced off. During the summer months, the space is entirely free for public enjoyment as there are no boats out on hard stands.

Preserving the "City of Sails" Heritage

Closing the boatyard chips away at Auckland's identity as the “City of Sails”. We play a vital role in nurturing future generations of power boaters and sailors, keeping the legacy alive. Without the LSBB, fewer opportunities exist for future sailors. This closure could have a ripple effect, harming opportunities for New Zealand to maintain its strength in international sailing competitions like the Americas Cup and SailGP.

Closing LSBB will impact future families taking up sailing and exploring NZ’s famous coastlines and will cut people off from the sea, reducing awareness and care for the marine environment.

We urge the Kaipatiki Local Board and Auckland Council to reassess its decision, valuing our community's identity, keeping the spirit of sailing inclusive and accessible. Let's keep Auckland, the city where passion for sailing thrives.

LSBB are committed to working collaboratively with the Kaipatiki Local Board and Auckland Council. Through open communication, we can find a solution that benefits everyone and advances the community favourably.

Please join us in saving Little Shoal Bay Boatyard. Sign this petition to reinstate the Little Shoal Bay Boatyard.