9 June 2015

New Chum beach decision a victory for community

The withdrawal of the development consent application to build a residential subdivision at the pristine, world-famous New Chum Wainuiototo beach in the Coromandel is a victory for the local community who have spent years fighting the proposal, the Green Party said.

“This is a victory for a strong, organised community and should be an inspiration to other communities who are fighting to protect their natural heritage,” Coromandel-based Green Party MP Catherine Delahunty said.

“This is also a victory for our natural environment.

“New Zealanders have won the right to keep enjoying our country’s unspoilt beauty.

“Congratulations to the local group ‘Preserve New Chum for Everyone’ for their sustained leadership on the issue. Their tireless work alongside the Green Party ensured that the consent application was publicly notified and people could have a say.

“The local community deserves to be delighted at the success of their campaign.

“We hope that the withdrawal of the development application shows the landowners understand that the community places extraordinary value on the untouched nature of New Chum Wainuiototo.

“New Chum Wainuiototo beach’s unspoiled beauty has been internationally recognised by National Geographic, Lonely Planet, and the UK’s Observer newspaper.

“The would-be developers have made the right choice by withdrawing their development consent application,” Ms Delahunty said.

ENDS

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