Dear Members

We have just heard from the Council that the works required to refurbish the Boat Club Ramp will be starting soon.  Unfortunately, this means that the ramp will be closed until the job is completed.  Partial closure was not an option due to the machinery required and health and safety measures.

Notice from Auckland Council:

• The Kawakawa Bay Boat Club ramp will be completely closed to all members and the public from Monday 9 October until mid-December (exact date to be advised as work progresses). It will re-open before Christmas.
• The purpose is the urgent replacement of all floating concrete pontoons and their piles and abutments
• The replacements have a design life of more than 30 years and take into account expected sea level rise
• The works do not affect the nearby public boat ramp with timber jetty which remains open for use.

As many of you know, we have been working with the council for the past three years to have this work completed.  We were hoping that the work was going to be carried out over the winter season (June to August), however due to many factors and through no fault of our own, this was not able to happen.

The storms in the past year have accelerated the deterioration of the current pontoons and piles and in order to maintain a safe and hazard free area, the refurbishment needs to be carried out immediately.

We understand that this is not ideal timing with the summer season approaching but we are excited that we will have a fit for purpose facility before the year is out.  As this will impact you, as members, the committee is working hard to ease the situation by offering the following:

1. If you have already paid for your membership for the 2023/2024 season, we will apply a credit of $50 to your following seasons membership.  If you prefer, we can reimburse you $50 by way of Direct Credit to your bank account.  Any refund requests will need to be made in writing to ensure we are able to keep an audit trail.
2. If you are yet to pay your renewal, the cost for the 2023/24 season will now be $70.

We apologise for the short notice but have only just been informed of the work starting.

Please feel free to get in touch if you have any queries, the best way is by emailing [email protected].  We will endeavour to keep you updated on the progress by both email and by our Facebook page.

We thank you for your patience and understanding and look forward to seeing you in December.

Kawakawa Bay Boat Club Committee