Yesterday the ARC's Chair and Deputy Chair combined forces to call for a development on Queen's Wharf in Auckland. This has won the support of the NZ Herald today. A motivation behind this initiative is a desire to improve the lot of visiting cruise ship passengers. At present cruise ships tie up next to the Hilton hotel in Auckland.
This may not be perfect, but it is a huge improvement on the situation in Wellington. What are our city's leaders dosing to improve things for the capital's growing cruise ship business? The walk from the container wharf to the city is a disgrace.
Wellington already has a purpose built wharf for passenger ships. It is about to be converted into exclusive apartments and restaurants. That is fine as it is probably too small for the new generation of cruise liners. BUT it could be extended. This would see cruise ship visitors deposited in the heart of the city, a short walk from either Oriental Bay or Te Papa etc.
Come on Wellington, lets show some leadership on this issue too.
