New boat's name remains secret

The harbourmaster's new boat has passed test drives with flying colours, but its name will remain a secret until a formal reveal.

The Otago Regional Council's first dedicated vessel for the role will be presented in a ''christening ceremony'' on April 29.

Harbourmaster Steve Rushbrook said the council received more than 100 suggestions for its name, which was chosen in collaboration with iwi.

''It was great to see the community get on board with suggesting a name.

''There were some creative suggestions and some with a lot of meaning behind them.''

The name would be announced on the arrival of the boat, he said.

The boat was made by McLay Boats, in Milton, which was testing the vessel in the Otago Harbour recently.

Co-owner Steve McLay said it was performing ''beyond expectations''.

The 7m hardtop needed some further electric work before it would be given to the council.

jono.edwards@odt.co.nz