Te Arai Development a Win-Win

Press Release
For immediate release
Thursday, April 5, 2007

Te Arai Development a Win-Win

The backers of an 850 unit residential development at Te Arai say their housing plans are a win-win for both them and the public.

“What we’ve proposed is using development to create a situation whereby over 6,500 tribal beneficiaries enjoy the returns and the wider community benefits from access to a unique East Coast beach,” said Renaissance Group Chairman Sir Graham Latimer.

“In doing so we’re also providing a catalyst for the future regional park network with significant foreshore management plans to ensure the prosperity and wellbeing of the natural ecology.”

Te Arai Coastal Lands Ltd, a Renaissance Group joint venture with New Zealand Land Trust, has applied to the Rodney District Council for a special zone on the 616ha site, bought by the Te Uri o Hau Settlement Trust from the Government as part of its Treaty settlement in 2002. Renaissance is the commercial arm of the Trust.

The joint venture proposes to build a forested residential community that would include a variety of housing types and a 200-unit resort. The proposal would also create new access points to the beach, as well as to the forest for recreation activities like biking and horse riding.

New Zealand Land Trust Director John Darby said the proposal would utilise the forest environment as it currently is and would require only 5 per cent of the land to be committed to buildings.

“We listened to public comment on our earlier 1400 unit proposal and redesigned in response,” said Mr Darby

“Retaining and protecting the natural environment cuts to the heart of this development.

“There’s been a suggestion there’ll be beachfront housing but that’s simply not true. There’s a production forest at Te Arai and we propose to work with it and enhance it rather than take it away.”

Both Sir Graham and Mr Darby are acutely aware the Te Arai proposal has its detractors.

“Look, people have been throwing curve balls at us since day one and that’s got to be expected as part of the process,” said Sir Graham.

“We’ve openly engaged with people about our plans and told government over 10 years ago what we planned to do at Te Arai so it’s no secret really.”

The Rodney District Council agreed on Wednesday (April 4) to publicly notify a private plan change to the District Plan to allow the area to be rezoned and to provide the opportunity for public input.

“That’s process for you and we’re happy to be part of it,” said Sir Graham. “We’ve consistently demonstrated an ability to be flexible and we want to keep moving forward from here.”

Ends

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