Last week, the Southland District Council announced it had "been forced" to put restrictions in place for Ulva Island Te Wharawhara wharf as it was at the end of its functional life and a new site at Bathing Bay was chosen.
The council had previously advised the wharf replacement was in doubt due to increasing uncertainty about initial agreements with the Department of Conservation (Doc), as it would require a 350m to 400m track to link the new wharf to existing tracks.
Doc previously said it would not fund building it.
A meeting between the council and Doc took place this week, but while both parties said conversations were progressing well, nothing concrete emerged after the meeting.
Doc South Island southern operations director Aaron Fleming stated yesterday the meeting went well.
"We remain committed to working with the council on a way forward."
However, he declined to clarify what that commitment meant or give any further details about the negotiation.
Stewart Island/Rakiura Community Board chairman Aaron Corner and deputy chairman Aaron Joy as well as Cr John Spraggon said they were not part of the meeting with Doc this week.
Mayor Rob Scott also said he was unable to attend as he was in Wellington, but he understood from staff the meeting was positive.
"The meeting was good.
"I mean, we’re progressing it to get to a solution.
"Time is of the essence now for the operators on the island and for people planning coming over to the island as well with Ulva Island being such a jewel in the crown, so we need to get to that solution."
As restrictions such as time limits and speed limits for vessels using the wharf, maximum displacement and a wind speed threshold will come into effect on October 1, Aihe Wildlife Cruises and Water Taxi owner Furhana Ahmad yesterday said she felt they were left in the dark.
"It is not a good situation, not only for the operators, but for the visitors and the customers that we have.
"It is unacceptable because this is just continuing the delay process and total uncertainty ... I feel they are running around in circles."
She said Ulva Island was one of the main Stewart Island attractions and while Doc and regional development agency Great South kept promoting it for tourists, the council was placing restrictions which would affect the ability to travel there.
"I can tell you that the majority of my customers will use the Ulva Island wharf," she said.
"Many people in our community and our businesses rely on it."
