Friends of the Wharf is an informal group of local residents who care about our lovely wharf and
adjoining reserve. We believe we are very lucky to have such a beautiful asset on our doorstep,
and are prepared to put in a bit of energy to ensure it remains presentable and safe. We also
enjoy occasional opportunities to contribute to the reserve’s development via working bees and
socialising.
Wharves, and the port areas they were built in have forever been both transit routes and
destinations, and the Pare Wharf is no exception. The original wharf provided access for early
settlers and their chattels, and a conduit for their produce to the Auckland markets. Various forms
of water transport shuttled people to and from the city and the other wharves and jetties of the
Waitemata.
Today, fishing and recreational boating seem to be the most popular activities at the wharf. People
arrive from all over Auckland to mix with locals trying their luck at catching the sometimes plentiful
fish. The recently rebuilt boat ramp is well-used by locals especially to launch kayaks, dinghies and
the occasional small trailer boat. The absence of turning space and parking area limits the size and
number of craft.
There are no membership fees in this organisation, no committee, and no rules. Declare yourself
a “friend of the wharf” and start picking up other people’s rubbish. It’s a good feeling! Don’t be
afraid to call the council Actionline (4868600) if you notice the rubbish bins are overflowing or
the wharf shed has been tagged as happens occasionally. Better still, get down there and enjoy it,
especially when there’s no-one else there.
