Peter Jacobs life, work & play in the Wynyard Quarter

Peter Jacobs completed an engineering apprenticeship with Mason Bros in 1969. Co- founding Ovlov Marine Services Ltd in 1978, the company moved to Westhaven in 1993, and it’s been home to the company ever since.

Living in the Wynyard Quarter since 2014, Peter and his wife Raewyn absolutely love it here. 

“We have one of the best harbours in the world!” says Peter. “It’s a great place to live, work and play. We have a great community, and there’s just about everything you could ever need here. It’s wonderful meeting the people living and working in the quarter; to be able to say good morning to people you come to know at different businesses such as the fishing shop, barbers, French bakery, Tuck shop, Mibo Café, Orams, Barfoot and Thompson, Ray White, Auckland Engineering, Unichem, Kim at AK Tailors, Gordon at the Rolling Pin and so many others including, of course, my old company – Ovlov.”

Peter says that investment in the Wynyard Quarter is paying off. He talks positively about the lunchtime crowds who spill out from their offices and businesses, giving the place ‘a real New York City’ feel. He says improvements to public transport have been significant too, noting that there is now a bus every seven to eight minutes into the city and one around every 12 minutes across the city.

Peter says that the Wynyard Quarter’s waterfront location is a big draw.  “You can launch the boat at Orams or Pier 21 and be out fishing in 20 minutes. There are great restaurants in walking distance and many that look out on the water. In the weekends we love having our two-year-old grandson visit; he adores parks, the playgrounds, the water pool and the ice-cream shop, and there are plenty of other families doing the same thing.”

Peter has been around long enough to see much of the quarter’s redevelopment. “I have seen plenty, of change,” reflects Peter. “The Lighter Quay apartments, the old cargo sheds along Fanshawe Street and the new buildings along there too. The opening of the Pier 21 bars and restaurants, boat storage and hardstand area and a favourite of mine, Swashbucklers!”

But it was the opening of Orams Marine Village that had the most effect on Peter, 

“Having brand new premises in a purpose build marine centre is outstanding. Their new super yacht facility is also world class, as is the walkway promenade from Swashies around to the Harbour Bridge. I could go on and on!”

Generally supportive of progress, Peter appreciates that more change is coming to Wynyard Quarter and knows developers can explore different mechanisms to progress development. He expresses concern over the Government’s Fast-track approvals process (specifically regarding over height buildings) and feels that the Wynyard Quarter will not benefit from this process. He wants people to remember that the long-term vision for the Wynyard Quarter is for a thriving and resilient ‘people first’ destination, with this vision underlined by very considered planning, including about the height of buildings.

He says that respect for the environment, as envisaged in the Auckland Council's 'Waterfront Plan 2012’ for the Wynyard Quarter, is of huge benefit both locally and nationally.

“This plan is strong, and I very much hope and trust it will be implemented.

The Wynyard Quarter is truly a great location. It’s vibrant, friendly, exciting, buzzing with residents, workers, visitors and families all enjoying this jewel in Auckland’s crown".

It’s been 60 years since Peter began his apprenticeship at Westhaven, and he still loves it here.