Yukon Dive is a well respected tourism business offering dive and snorkel trips to the Poor Knights out of Tutukaka Marina.

At the start of last season, the Tutukaka Marina Management Trust (TMMT) without any proper consultation changed the method of gathering Commercial Operator Levies for all operators which resulted in a 575% increase for Yukon Dive.  This increase has been in dispute and is now with the Disputes Tribunal awaiting a court date.  Amidst the COVID-19 lockdown, Yukon Dive received a letter revoking their permission to operate from Tutukaka Marina. 

The tourism industry in Tutukaka is the lifeblood of our community and is worth $10 million per annum. Employing over 220 people during the season, tourism sustains the community, the environment, staff and families of local businesses while providing a memorable visitor experience.

The financial damage and loss of jobs in the community resulting from driving commercial operators out of business is unacceptable during this financial crisis.

This petition is to allow Yukon Dive to keep operating while TMMT go back to consultation with all commercial operators for a fair and transparent process of setting and using the funds from commercial levies.

The community want Councillor Greg Martin (cr.martin@wdc.govt.nz) as the agent of the Whangarei District Council to ensure that the Trust complies with the objects of their Deed of Trust and adhere to the terms of the lease with Council.

The community is calling for greater transparency and better representation on the Trust including rate payers, local business operators, iwi, and berth holders, thereby creating a meaningful on-going relationship between our community and the Tutukaka Marina Management Trust.