Who owns the Russell Wharf?

• This is owned by Far North Holdings Ltd, the commercial arm of Far North District Council.

• No, Far North Holdings Limited run the wharf as a commercial operation. The Russell Kororāreka Community Wharf Kaitiaki Trust represent and manage the public and local interests in the Wharf, under a Memorandum of Understanding with Far North Holdings Limited.

• Yes, the wharf trust have an agreement with FNHL that allocates specific berths for commercial use, managed by FNHL, and public use berths, managed by the Wharf Trust.
• Some of the allocated commercial berths can be used by the general public, outside commercial operation times, that are posted on these berths.

• As the owners of the wharf, FNHL are responsible for the wharf upkeep, using revenue from the commercial operator fees, and rent from the wharf kiosk. This enables basic repairs and maintenance on the wharf each year. The wharf trust assists FNHL, with funds raised, by the Trust from private berth charges, as it cannot be funded solely by commercial users.

• There are long stay options posted on the berth signage, and the Russell Information Centre staff can help you with booking and payments
• Generally we promote short term use, to keep the wharf functioning as a drop off and pickup point, however longer stays than 30 minutes incur a fee, and it is possible to stay overnight.
• Stays of longer than 4 days are by prior approval from the Trust, and will only be granted for special events or circumstances.

• Details on how to pay are posted on the berths, scan the QR code, and follow the instructions on the website.
• For more personal service, including booking berth spaces, we have contracted the Russell information centre, to assist the Trust,, with the convenience of eft-pos and credit card facilities, for easy payment options, when you arrive at the wharf.

• The Wharf Trust is a group of local volunteers, tasked with looking after the public and community interests for our town wharf. If you are interested in being a Trustee, please contact the Trust via the Contact Form.
• Any questions, queries, or comments, can be directed to the Trust, through the contact details on our website.
• Staff working in the kiosk are contracted to take bookings and payments, and are not Trust employees, so we ask that they are treated with respect, and that any concerns are taken up directly with the Trust.

What is the role of Far North Holdings (FNH)?

• Maintain the wharf so that it is fit for public and commercial use, safe and legally compliant.
• Maintain appropriate and fit-for-purpose maintenance schedules.
• Carry out routine maintenance in line with these schedules.

What accountability does the Trust have to the community?

• The Trust is obligated to seek to understand the views and expectations of the community in relation to the Wharf, including seeking and considering input and feedback from relevant community groups.

Who determines the fees/levy to be applied?

• This is done by mutual agreement between FNH and the Trust.

How will the Trust know that Far North Holdings is maintaining the wharf to an acceptable standard?

• The Trust invites FNH to our meetings regularly to discuss maintenance plans
• We also advise them of any work, which in our view, is required.
• At least once every five years, FNH must commission (in consultation with the Trust) a review from an independent expert with appropriate experience and professional expertise on the condition of the wharf, the Maintenance Schedule and the company’s compliance with it.

What degree of control will the Trust have over any Future Extension or Provision of Facilities on the Wharf?

• The Community, via the Trust, has considerable sway over any proposed change to the structure of the wharf.

How can Russell residents raise questions and/or concerns?

This is best done by contacting The Trust via this website or by writing to the Trust via our email address – info@russellwharf.org.nz.
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