Napier's Marineland will not reopen

Napier's Marineland will be closed permanently after New Zealand's Minister of Conservation told Napier City Council that the it no longer supports keeping marine mammals in captivity.

Marineland has been closed to the public since September 2008 when the last remaining dolphin, Kelly, died. Since then, the remaining animals have been cared for on-site by Marineland staff.

The Napier City Council says it has has made the decision to close Marineland permanently after receiving the minister's letter last month which confirmed the Department of Conservation's position on phasing out marine mammals being kept in captivity.

The Council said the 40-year-old infrastructure of Marineland has been maintained over the years. However, due to the extremely harsh marine environment the underground infrastructure, such as piping and pools, was well beyond its useful life and needed complete replacement.

This, coupled with the Government's policy, had led the council to the clear decision to close the facility and clear the site ready for something new, it said.

Napier Mayor, Barbara Arnott, said that although many alternative options had been considered by the council for the Marineland site, none had yet been convincing and feasible given the cost impact on the ratepayer.

Mayor Arnott explained "as a council we completely recognise the importance of this site to Napier's tourism package and therefore will continue to explore all options for development of a modern, unique attraction for the benefit of both our local community and visitors to the city."

Marineland's little blue penguins will be moved to The National Aquarium of New Zealand, also located on Napier's Marine Parade. A new purpose-built home for the penguins is planned to be in place by November next year.

The education programmes run by Marineland's education team will also be moved to the National Aquarium of New Zealand in January and delivered to students under the existing education programme.

Mayor Arnott added "the council acknowledges the devotion and high level of care that Marineland staff have provided the animals and recognise this is a difficult time for them.

"We will work through this situation with staff in the best way possible and also endeavour to relocate staff into new roles within Napier City Council facilities."

23rd April 2010 - UNCERTAINTY SURROUNDS FUTURE OF NAPIER MARINELAND 

16th November 2009 - WILD SEALS ILLEGALLY CAPTURED FOR MARINELAND