Environment Canterbury could not say last week how many moorings were currently rented. They cost $290 a year.
It would not be known how many moorings would be available until Christchurch City Council approved resource consents for the upgrade of the wharf.
Harbourmaster Guy Harris said the solution was for people who don’t use their mooring to relinquish them during the rebuild, which will start late next year and is scheduled to be completed in 2027.
Boat owner and Akaroa Yacht Club member Johnny Bell said he understood ECan’s move.
“Because of this new wharf, people are going to lose their mooring.
"They’ve got to put those boats somewhere else.
"So, yeah, I can understand why they want to do this,” Bell said.
People need permission from ECan if they leave their mooring vacant for more than six months.
An ECan spokesperson said it was now communicating with all mooring renters about their future.
The spokesperson said ECan would not take back the unused moorings at this stage.
“At this stage, we would prefer to work with the mooring owners to find an appropriate solution.”
Harris said vacant moorings can be a hazard for nearby boats.
“Moorings left vacant are often not well maintained and are at risk of sinking lower in the water,” he said.
Harris said the freed-up spaces would help create environmentally-friendly moorings, which are less impactful on the seabed.
- Boat owners can contact the team at moorings@ecan.govt.nz for more information if they have questions or want to discuss their options.
