Green Pastures out to dry

Tauranga city council staff have scotched the plans of a couple of Tauranga fishermen who thought they were going to get a free boat.
The fishing boat Green Pastures has lain derelict at the slip jetties for some years. 

The fishermen who say they pumped it out from time believed they had an understanding that they could tow Green Pastures away to a new home.
“Some one offered to tow it away but we got the impression it was going to be dumped,” says property manager Anthony Averill.
There’s a long trail of people who think they have an interest in Green Pastures, says Anthony. But none who are prepared to pay any part of the berthage bill, which is now more than Green Pastures is worth.
“I want it gone to be honest, so we can put another customer on the berth,
but I would like someone to account for the arrears,” says Anthony.
The council has been forced to act because Green Pastures is leaking.
A pump was installed some time back, connected to shore power, but the water is coming in faster now.  An attempt to lift Green Pastures out of the water by crane failed because she was too heavy. Work is being done to remove more weight before the next attempt, expected sometime soon.