Regional council committed to best management of harbour
Thursday 14 February, 2008
The importance of all councils working together to ensure the best management of the Ohiwa Harbour was again confirmed
by Environment Bay of Plenty on Thursday.
At its Strategic Policy committee meeting councillors acknowledged Opotiki District Council’s concerns with the Ohiwa
Harbour Strategy and resolved to meet with councillors from Opotiki and Whakatane District Councils, along with iwi, to
work through those issues.
The council also resolved to implement the actions in the strategy, noting issues raised by Opotiki would be resolved
through that process.
The strategy, a non-statutory document (not required by law), was developed by iwi and the three councils.
It was signed off last year by Whakatane District Council and Environment Bay of Plenty and agreed by iwi. Opotiki
District Council did not sign the strategy over concerns about mangrove management and Ramsar status for the harbour.
Eastern Bay of Plenty Councillor Malcolm Whitaker said councillors looked forward to working with Opotiki District
Council on their issues.
“The debate on the item recognised the importance of the harbour to the region, and the relationships that surrounded
it,” Mr Whitaker said. “The relationship we have with the other councils and iwi is important to us. It’s also important
that we’re able to keep action moving on the ground so that the harbour is managed in the best way possible for the
region.”
The Ramsar Covention on wetlands is an intergovernmental treaty which promotes the conservation of wetlands and their
use. The strategy included investigating whether an application should be submitted to have Ohiwa Harbour included as a
wetland of international importance. For more information visit www.envbop.govt.nz
ENDS