The Far North District Council has voted to transfer ownership of the Russell wharf to its business arm, Far North Holdings.
The Far North District Council has voted to transfer ownership of the Russell wharf to its business arm, Far North Holdings.
Russell Wharf, Bay of Islands Photo: 123RF
The company runs most of the council's marine assets and plans to develop a cafe and information centre on the wharf.
A council spokesperson said the move would save ratepayers $100,000 year in maintenance.
But the proposal was met with controversy, with some ratepayers claiming the council had abandoned its responsibility for community assets.
The council approved the transfer subject to conditions. It wanted a legally-binding agreement between Far North Holdings and the Russell Wharf Trust.
The contract would guarantee community and tangata whenua input into the development and ensure the wharf building met heritage criteria.
Should Far North Holdings want to sell it the wharf it would give the trust first option.