Nearly 3000 people have signed a petition calling for local and central government authorities to keep the Coromandel-Auckland ferry going.
And Coromandel businessman Barry Brickell is calling on businesses to do their bit to ensure the ferry continues.
Operator 360 Discovery will make its last ferry run between Coromandel town and Auckland on Sunday unless a meeting with the authorities in Thames on Friday produces some results.
The ferry sails five times a week via Waiheke, Ponui, Rotoroa and Pakatoa islands.
It was to stop sailing on April 7 but the deadline was extended until April 26.
The petition organised by the Coromandel Business Association and concerned individuals asks local and central government to give the company a $100,000 annual subsidy for five years.
It has been signed by 2911 people, mostly from Coromandel town and other parts of the Coromandel Peninsula but also from Auckland, affected islands and elsewhere.
One of the petition organisers, Jocelyn Strongman, said she was thrilled that people had responded to the call for support.
Another 250 signatures had to be discounted because people had not given their full signature or address.
Mr Brickell, who runs Driving Creek Railway & Potteries, one of the busiest tourism operations on the peninsula, said he had made a "realistic offer" to the company and the Thames-Coromandel Mayor Philippa Barriball to assist the ferry service over the winter.
He expects other businesses to follow suit and the council to play its part.
"If the first move comes from us as businesses with some sort of advance for the ferry, then I would expect the council to join us."
Ms Barriball will meet 360 Discovery general manager Phil Andrew in Thames on Friday along with representatives from Environment Waikato and the New Zealand Transport Agency.
