April 24, 2017
Extra cash to restore Whale Watch berths
Work to restore Kaikoura Harbour is now on track to be completed by October after the Government agreed to put another $700,000 into the project, on top of the $5 million it pledged in December.
Last November’s 7.8 magnitiude earthquake lifted the seabed by up to 2m in some places.
That meant dredging to restore channels and building new slipways and wharves.
Whale Watch Kaikoura general manager Kauahi Ngapora says the tourism operator is working with competitors Encounter Kaikoura, the Kaikoura District Council and the Crown to support the harbour repair.
He says the new timetable means the firm can focus on restoring visitor flows to the town as infrastructure is restored in time for the summer peak.
Restoring the harbour is key the recovery of the local visitor sector and with it the community.
Until the work is finished, Whale Watch Kaikoura is using a modified trailer to get one of its vessels out for tours.
Copyright © 2017, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com