As New Zealand basks in the glory of winning the Louis Vuitton Cup and we prepare to battle for the America's Cup we would like to draw your attention to another battle. One far less glamorous than the "Auld Mug" but one just as important for Auckland, the "city of sails".

For over 30 years sailors in the Eastern Bays of Auckland have benefited from a simple, yet effective means of keeping their boats well maintained and free of weed. Auckland City Council is determined to remove this facility and force these sailors, many old and of limited means, to use prohibitively expensive commercial operations.

Okahu Haulage Inc, established in the 1970's with the backing of the Harbour Board, has operated a simple, reliable, and cheap DIY haulage facility at Okahu Bay. This very popular facility, that is expected to haul over 300 boats this year, will now close in 2009 unless you help us.

We ask you to sign this petition so that Auckland City with their declared strategy to "support and foster water based activities", can be encouraged to stand up and oppose those commercial operators who threaten to place boating beyond the reach of many. The many who have in a substantial way contributed to Auckland's world-renowned image as the City of Sails. It is clear that Okahu Haulage is the first they are targeting. If they succeed in annihilating us, what small operator will be next.

We demand Auckland City Council meet their obligations to Auckland boaties and rescind their cancellation of the licence for Okahu Haulage Inc.:

Added On (2007-06-29):

see our website: www.okahuhaulage.co.nz for up to date background, photos and a selection of comments

Added On (2007-07-04):

Oops, so Emirates Team New Zealand failed in their battle to win the Auld Mug. With your help we wont make it another loss to Auckland. Thanks for all the wonderful emails of support you have sent us. Its great to see boaties appreciate the service we offer and want it to stay.

Added On (2007-07-17):

On July 11th we salvaged another members yacht - see www.okahuhaulage.co.nz/petition/jimbeam_1.pdf and www.okahuhaulage.co.nz/pictures.html for more details

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