Oamaru Harbour after 1974

After the Holmdale sailed away in March 1974, no more trading vessels called at Oamaru. Conventional coastal shipping was on its last legs and the Oamaru Harbour Board decided not to risk spending money on dredging to recapture vanishing trade. That year the board celebrated its centenary, but four years later was abolished and the council took over its assets.

Since then only small fishing boats, pleasure craft and the occasional navy patrol boat has visited. With little money coming in, the council has struggled to maintain facilities.

Heritage

Tourism has brought new opportunities and threats. A little blue penguin colony was established in the board's old quarry by the breakwater in 1992. Later a tourist railway opened between the waterfront and the historic precinct. In 2006 a new restaurant was built on the 1879 Cross Wharf.

With World Heritage recognition mooted for historic Oamaru, the challenge now lies in preserving as much of this authentic historic fabric as possible while adapting to new use.