7 March 2006

Minister got Whangamata Marina decision right

The Hauraki Maori Trustboard says in this instance the Minister of Conservation has made the correct decision to refuse consent for the proposed Whangamata marina.

Trustboard Chairman Toko Renata said the iwi of Hauraki had been strongly opposed to this particular development because it would have destroyed an ecologically sensitive salt marsh and a traditional kaimoana (seafood) gathering bed.

“The iwi of Hauraki are not anti business or anti development on the Coromandel,” Mr Renata said.

“However, the proposed marina that the Minister has turned down was in the wrong place,” he said.

“We have to be extremely careful before we disturb the environment.

“I think a good example of this is the removal of the mangroves from beside the Whangamata causeway. This has created an awful smell problem for the nearby residents,” Mr Renata said.

The Hauraki Maori Trustboard has been advocating a carefully considered and planned approach to development on the Coromandel Peninsula and will continue to do so.

Toko Renata said resolving outstanding treaty claims and addressing management of sensitive areas like Whangamata Harbour would increase certainty all residents on the Coromandel.

ENDS

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