Media Release

30 May 2012

HBRC reviewing its position on Mahanga subdivision consent

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council is reviewing its position on the granting of resource consents for a Mahanga subdivision in the light of new expert evidence that has been presented.

Murray Mexted, Paul Williams and Servass Van Breda Malherbe were granted resource consent by HBRC and the Wairoa District Council in 2010 to develop a six-lot subdivision at Mahanga Beach. An appeal was lodged by community group Mahanga E Tu, but due to a series of delays is yet to be heard in the Environment Court.

Now almost two and a half years since the decision to grant resource consent new evidence has been brought forward by Mahanga E Tu’s coastal hazard expert. It indicates there is a possibility that coastal erosion will affect the applicant’s site sooner than initially thought and the potential effects of the proposed seawall at the front of the subdivision may be more than minor.

HBRC is reviewing its position in light of advice from its own expert coastal experts in relation to the new evidence.

It will attend the Environment Court hearing with a neutral position, supported by the evidence of its experts.

A date has yet to be set for the Environment Court hearing.

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