12 November 2004

Lease Endorsement Backs Marae

Rodney District Council has endorsed a lease in favour of the Te Hana Community Development Charitable Trust.

It will enable the development of a marae, model Maori village and cultural tourist centre on the northern part of the reserve at Te Hana.

The Mayor John Law said the development should put Te Hana back on the map, both in tourism and cultural terms. Northern Ward Councillor Graham Powell endorsed the Mayor's sentiments.

Thomas de Thierry, a spokesman for the trust, also expressed delight at the prospect of a confirmed lease for the development.

It is expected that construction work will commence in 2005 and an opening date of late 2005/2006 is anticipated for the first stage.

The decision was taken at the Council meeting of 30 September 2004.

ENDS

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