Wellington Waterfront Ltd and the waterfront's rowing clubs, Wellington Rowing Club and Star Boating Club, today announced the car parking and vehicle access issues, over which they have been indispute, are now resolved. The issues arose out of parking and access conditions for the Clubs imposed by Wellington City Council commissioners on resource consents to enable the development of public space adjacent to the rowing club premises. Those conditions were appealed by Wellington Waterfront Ltd.

Wellington Waterfront Ltd Chief Executive Ian Pike, says the negotiations between the waterfront organisations have been fraught at times but the lines of communication have always remained open. "I am pleased and delighted with this outcome. Both we and the rowing clubs have maintained a commitment to ongoing negotiation throughout this resource consent appeal process. As I have said many times before, Wellington Waterfront Ltd had no intention of forcing the rowing clubs off the waterfront and I think we have demonstrated that by the results of the negotiations. I believe we have reached a satisfactory compromise that will meet the operational needs of the clubs while maintaining adequate access and safety for other waterfront users."

The rowing clubs are satisfied also with the result of hearings and negotiations over the course of the last year or more. Speaking on behalf of both clubs, Star Boating Club President Jon Neilson, said "We are glad to have this dispute over. Now we can shift our focus back on to what's really important to us; providing a professional and nurturing training environment for our your athletes."

The outcome of an Environment Court facilitated mediation is that sufficient car parking to meet the clubs' operating requirements will be provided for under formal leases. Until now, future car parking and access for club members were unresolved issues.

Traffic access will be managed electronically to ensure a specified maximum number of cars can drive to and park alongside club buildings for club activities.