Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Local Govt | National News Video | Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Search

 

SKP Awaits Verdict from Environmental Appeal Court


SKP Awaits Verdict from Environmental Appeal Court

“It’s now a waiting game,” according to SKP Chair David Baigent. “It has been a tremendously busy and stressful 10 months preparing for the appeal against the consent given by Auckland City Council to Kennedy Point Boatharbour Limited but we have done all we can to halt what we believe to be an entirely inappropriate development at Kennedy Point.”

The Environment Court hearing took place over 5 days in Auckland presided over by Judge Laurie Newhook and Commissioners Anne Leijnen and Ian Buchanan. During the hearing SKP and the other parties opposed to the marina ran a strong case arguing that the proposed marina posed an unacceptable threat and risk to the environment (including to the Little Blue Penguin, and potential further degradation of Kennedy Point Bay and Hauraki Gulf), and that it was contrary to the planning and other relevant policies for the region.

SKP argued that contrary to the provisions of the Resource Management Act, the proposed marina would adversely affect the landscape at Kennedy Point Bay, the cultural and shared values of the community, and the public and free access and enjoyment at Kennedy Point Bay. Thanks to the generous support of the community and other donors, SKP was supported in Court by a team of ecology, landscape, coastal process, and policy experts who presented evidence that consent for a marina at Kennedy Point should be declined. Kennedy Point Boat Harbour Limited, Auckland City Council and the Kennedy Point Marina Supporters Group each put forth their evidence in support of the marina.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

The Judge and the Commissioners will now deliberate and a decision is expected within 1 - 3 months time.

The SKP group recently pulled out all the stops to put on a Sun Kissed Picnic Fundraiser on Saturday February 17th with just one week to go before the court case. The event brought together anti-marina supporters from all over the island showing a tremendous amount of support for SKP.

Many who attended the event at a private beach property on Donald Bruce Road said it was one of the best island events they had ever attended with Talking Tree Hill providing fantastic play and activity opportunities for children, spoken word entertainment provided by Tanya Batt, Peter Forster and many other talented island based performers, artisan food by Waiheke island vendors who also donated part of their proceeds to the cause, Kapa Haka by Waiheke Island’s High School students and teachers, and of course island local and off island music acts.

The event raised approximately $26,000 with donations still coming in from SKP supporters.

Multi the Sheep and her owner Sue Pawley continue to keep overseas and local visitors informed as to the size and the type of marina planned for Kennedy Point and have now raised over $10,000 for the appeal.

The SKP team wishes to thank the very many individuals, families and businesses from both the island, New Zealand and the rest of the world, who gave so generously over the past 10 months.

Kathyrn Ngapo said of the many donations of time, money and products, ”This shows yet again how much love the public has for this island and has made what has been a very difficult 10 months, worth it all.”

“We are not finished yet and are still seeking donations to ensure that pending the outcome of the Environment Court decision, SKP are in a position to continue to fight for the protection of Kennedy Point and Putiki Bay. We welcome your continued support and you are able to do so through the market raffle tickets, T-shirts, or donations through our website skp.org.nz. SKP Inc is also in the early planning of a long lunch with an art auction at an island location - so stay tuned.”

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines


Gordon Campbell: On The US Opposition To Mortgage Interest Deductibility For Landlords


Should landlords be able to deduct the interest on the loans they take out to bankroll their property speculation? The US Senate Budget Committee and Bloomberg News don't think this is a good idea, for reasons set out below. Regardless, our coalition government has been burning through a ton of political capital by giving landlords a huge $2.9 billion tax break via interest deductibility, while still preaching the need for austerity to the disabled, and to everyone else...
More


 
 

Government: Concerns Conveyed To China Over Cyber Activity
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has confirmed New Zealand’s concerns about cyber activity have been conveyed directly to the Chinese Government. “The Prime Minister and Minister Collins have expressed concerns today about malicious cyber activity... More

ALSO:


Government: GDP Decline Reinforces Government’s Fiscal Plan

Declining GDP for the December quarter reinforces the importance of restoring fiscal discipline to public spending and driving more economic growth, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says... More

ALSO:


Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.