Nukuhau boat pen users may face increased fees

Taupo District Council may increase the fees charged for the Nukuhau boat pens which are leased out for private boat storage at Nukuhau Reserve.

Council’s Taupo/Kaingaroa-Mangakino/Pouakani Committee has recommended that the fees be increased to $1040+GST for 11-metre pens and $910+GST for 9.5-metre pens.

The fees came under review last month for the first time since 2003. A Council assessment shows the current charges are considerably lower than other commercial storage facilities.

Mayor Rick Cooper believes the Council must take steps to operate like a business, in a financially responsible way. “I support the Taupo Yacht Club 100 per cent – and every other club in Taupo, but the Council has pledged to seek market rates for its assets,” he says.

“Public assets are Council’s income and, therefore, they’re the ratepayers’ income. One ratepayer should not be subsidising another.”

The Committee also recommended that a new lease agreement be created to replace the existing boat pen permits which are believed to be outdated. The recommendations will need to be adopted by the Council before any changes are implemented.