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Written by

Trevor Ammundsen

Published on

April 2, 2025

OPINION

Tourism development offers much for Mercury Bay

This is not an advertisement but may turn into a pumpkin at the dawn of 2 April.

A just announced tourism venue development for Mercury Bay will provide a much-needed boost for the region according to the press release received at The Informer. On the surface it certainly will be a boost, offering jobs for locals, tourist numbers for our businesses and work for sub-contractors.

This development, financed by North Korean interests, is for the building and then operation of a resort featuring a revolving restaurant and casino facilities. It is intended to be a niche operation, in keeping with the nature of Mercury Bay, with its main differentiating feature being its location which will, according to the press release, ensure this is a world class destination attracting high rollers from across the planet.

The location has not yet been officially announced as the paper work is still being finalised but inside sources have told us the developers are negotiating for a site on top of Centre Island (Motukorure Island).

Obviously, construction and operation on such a site will pose challenges but the resultant venue will offer spectacular views of the Mercury Bay, the wider ocean and the hinterland to diners who will be quietly going round and round during the course of their dining experience. A highlight is expected to be the degustation menu where it is intended to match dishes to the landscape you are currently viewing. Kina as you pass the rocks, Snapper as you view the bay, a Marlin steak when your vista is the wider ocean, Venison when the backdrop is bush clad hills and of course a slice of pizza as you view the Whitianga township.

Access for customers will primarily be by helicopter with a landing pad being built next to the venue.

It is expected that high rolling customers will be using their own helicopters and of course locals who own helicopters will also be welcomed. Those who wish to use a microlight will be permitted but are requested to park at the back. All others, along with non-management staff, will be expected to use a ferry service which will be sub-contracted to a local company.

To our untrained eye, it appeared aspects of the plan may not be accepted by New Zealand authorities. For example, we felt that if they had used a kiwi architecture firm rather than the Pyongyang one selected, they may have known an external lift made of bamboo stakes lashed together would probably not be acceptable. Also cutting costs by using a capstan powered by two burly fellows is unlikely to be approved by our Health and Safety regulatory people.

The plans show two levels of casino downstairs with the revolving restaurant as the top level. A lower ceiling height on all three levels keeps the building within current rules and should not be a problem due to the shorter average height of the expected customer base.

The two levels of casino will feature standard casino games for the customer but also have a special Mahjong bar where Customers can partake in games of Mahjong while sipping cocktails.

A smaller English themed bar will offer a similar service but with a set of Dominos and pints of ale.

While the plans do look interesting, we felt there may be a bit of work to do before the project is confirmed. The developers have stated that their intention is to purchase the island but difficulties have arisen as to ownership. Iwi on the southern shore of Mercury Bay have claimed ownership but so too have the Iwi on the northern shore. The Government seems to believe it is currently the owner but seems willing to give it back to Iwi as part of a settlement but are unsure which one.

Then there is the Waikato Regional Council who says it owns the sea surrounding the island and will need to be reimbursed for any travel by sea. The TCDC seemed to be oblivious to where Centre Island is.

A foot note to the plans stated that the developers thought construction would be quite quick due to the unique features of the site. Whereas it is normally difficult in Whitianga to have tradesmen turn up on site on good fishing days, this site will be able to live with this by allowing the tradesmen to cast a line while they are working, allowing half-hour breaks for reeling in and re-hooking. This should ensure 100% attendance on site with a resulting speedy construction time.

This is all we could glean from the press release and subsequent conversations and there is obviously a bit of work to be done before any building work commences. We shall keep you informed as things progress and look forward to this addition to the attractions of Mercury Bay.