Shelly Bay

The Western side of the Miramar Peninsula has more angles on it than a Peter Jackson film, and did actually once star in a Peter Jackson Film. As the notorious and inhospitable Skull Island in the 2005 remake of King Kong, Shelly Bay was made to appear a terrifying and dangerous place. But as a city suburb ripe for re-development, the politics around the future of Shelly Bay make fictional Skull Island look tame.

Maru-Kai-Kuru was the name of the Atiawa village that was here before Europeans arrived, but like the rest of Wellington was sold to the crown in 1839. In 1887 the government set up the grandly-titled Submarine Mining Depot Barracks here, and in 1907 this was converted to Defence purposes, then in 1947 an Airforce Base, and stayed that way until 1995.

Much of the land was bought by Port Nicholson Block Settlement Trust who have been accused of deferring maintenance on infrastructure and buildings, and who briefly floated the idea of selling it. The latest plan (2017) is for a residential development of 350 dwellings, a small hotel, and rest home, a joint venture between The Wellington Company and the Trust. The path of this plan is before Wellington City Council and subject of much debate. Interestingly, a small amount of reclaimed land at the bay also belongs to Wellington City Council.

The plan is supposed to be reminiscent of "Sausulito" the bohemian fishing village adjacent to San Francisco.

The Miramar Business Improvement District are amongst a variety opponents to the plan, many vehment. Though the public road would remain, one argument is that the plan is too exclusive and the infrastructure here (none) will not support it.

The film community, including Sir Peter Jackson and his wife Fran Walsh, have come down firmly against the residential proposition, and did not hesitate to send a lawyer to tell the City Council. There was a rumour they are in alternative discussions with the landowners. Another curveball that may or may not hit home is that the descendants of the 1886 original owners of the land have set about trying to get it back.

While the war wages, a few quiet low-key tenants continue to enjoy the facilities of the old airforce base. At present they are several artists and musicians, a gallery, the Chocolate Fish Cafe (moved here from the other side of the Miramar peninsula), Propeller Studios belonging to Random Films, A motorhome dealer, and the artisan baker Shelley Bay Bakery. A pop up campground and lodge run from the former Officers Mess means those with the inclination (and a booking) can stay over.
For recreation here, there are areas of grass, beaches which are sometimes sheltered, rocks and old jetties to fish from. The lack of public toilets and off-leash dog areas might well be counted as downsides. A group called Te Motu Kairangi are aiming to restore native flora to the peninsula. On the hill above is Mount Crawford Prison, and at the tip of the peninsula, the Massey Memorial, the best place to take a short walk.