Boats moored at Pier 1, from where the small boat Aurora was removed last Friday. Photo \/ Doug Laing<\/p>\n
Friends of the man say he had bought the boat for $500 about a year ago as an abandoned vessel, from the previous owner, who \u201cpossibly\u201d had never registered ownership of the boat.<\/p>\n
While used as a permanent home moored at the pier, it was seaworthy, said mooring neighbour and career commercial fisherman Karl Warr.<\/p>\n
With the man who did not want to be named present, he told Hawke\u2019s Bay Today the young man had had a troubled life, and the mooring was his \u201csafe place – a sanctuary away from negative influences\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s better off here while he sorts himself out, but they\u2019ve taken away his home,\u201d Warr said. <\/p>\n
\u201cHe is safe here. As far as I\u2019m aware, no one from the berths here has had any problem.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said the council had denied the man a licence to occupy the boat, because it would not recognise him as the owner, and thus would not accept berthage fees the man wanted to pay.<\/p>\n
The council says its process draws on multiple sources to establish ownership.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor recreational vessels, owners are required to provide valid legal proof of ownership,\u201d the spokesperson said. <\/p>\n
\u201cAcceptable proof can include insurance documents, slipway or drydock invoices, or sales documentation [where purchased through a commercial entity].<\/p>\n
\u201cUnder the Inner Harbour Rules and Regulations, Council must be notified of any change of ownership, sale, or change in circumstances relating to a vessel. A new Licence to Occupy is not automatically granted in these situations.\u201d<\/p>\n
At Meeanee Quay Piers 1 and 2, there are a total of 41 berths (18 at Pier 1), plus three pole moorings.<\/p>\n
Across the water at Jull Wharf in the Iron Pot, where a new pontoon and poles have been installed after closure of the wharf and the moorings at Nelson Quay, there are 20 berths.<\/p>\n