Barry Keon. Photo supplied

• Howick and Pakuranga Times

AN OPPORTUNITY to reinforce arguments for a new ferry terminal and improved commuter and trailer boat parking is coming up.

Auckland Mayor Len Brown will be a special guest at the Half Moon Bay Residents and Ratepayers annual meeting on February 8.

“The mayor enjoys coming to our meetings because they are well-attended, usually by 80 to 100 people, and there is always good matter to discuss,” says Barry Keon, the association’s president.

Debate about improvements to the Half Moon Bay ferry terminal and surrounding area has accelerated since the super-city was formed.

Regular meetings are being held between Auckland Transport, the Howick Local Board and representatives of the association.

Lack of car parking continues to be a major issue, although Half Moon Bay Marina has started to rearrange space to create more parking for its retail and commercial buildings.

But a combination of ferry commuter and trailer boat parking continues to place pressure on the area.

Expected to be discussed at the meeting is trailer boat parking priorities on weekends to take pressure off local streets, long-term parking by Waiheke walk-on ferry users, especially overnight and at weekends, heavy truck trailer parking, heavy transport access problems because of increased congestion, and ongoing safety concerns at the Pigeon Mountain/Sunderlands Road/Prince Regent Drive intersection.