Napier Inner Harbour boat home seized by council, fisherman neighbour says move has cost man his ‘sanctuary’
The Napier City Council seized and removed a boat that a young man had been using as his home in the Inner Harbour. While the council cites safety and standard compliance, local supporters argue the boat was a necessary sanctuary for the man.
Why it matters
Illustrates the tension between municipal regulatory enforcement and the housing needs of vulnerable individuals.
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The Meeanee Quay Pier 1 berth after the removal of the Aurora, which the Napier City Council says is part of ongoing work to bring berths and moorings in the Inner Harbour up to a safe, consistent standard for all berth holders. Photo / Doug Laing
The Napier City Council has defended the removal and seizure of a boat that a young man had made into his home and sanctuary.
The Aurora was removed from the Pier 1 berth in the inner harbour at Meeanee Quay last Friday, then taken to the Napier Sailing Club ramp, put aboard a truck and taken away.
A council spokesperson said removing a vessel was always a last resort, and only happened once other options had been exhausted.
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