Number of pages: 02
Date: 24 March, 2009

Green Light For Paihia Waterfront Redevelopment

A joint local authority hearings committee is recommending the Minister of Conservation grant a number of coastal permits for a multimillion dollar redevelopment of the Paihia waterfront.

Applicant Far North Holdings (FNHL) had sought permission from the Northland Regional and Far North District Councils for 30 consents needed to redevelop the waterfront.

A Joint Hearings Committee heard a ‘complex’ application from FNHL for the second stage of its proposed redevelopment at a hearing that ran over several days in late October last year and reconvened at Paihia on 10 February this year. (Consents for the first stage were granted in 2005.)

The four-member Committee - representing both Councils and the Minister of Conservation - delivered its findings for the stage two applications recently.

It granted – or recommended the Conservation Minister grant – a total of 30 consents; 23 coastal permits, three land use consents, three discharge permits and changes to an existing FNDC consent.

Five of the consents are for restricted coastal activities and despite a favourable recommendation from the Committee, they now require final approval from the Conservation Minister.

Hearings Committee Chairman Mark Farnsworth described the hearing as difficult and complex and says despite the area’s historic importance to both Maori and Pakeha, there was a surprising lack of national guidance reflecting that significance.

The detailed application attracted 58 submissions; 43 in support (one of them conditionally), 14 opposed and one neutral. Opponents’ concerns covered environmental, cultural and technical matters.

The main consents granted allow for:
• Construction of an artificial reef/breakwater between Motumaire and Kuia Rongouru (Taylor) Islands
• Construction of another breakwater off Motumaire Island, beach abutments and dredging of a new approach channel
• Horotutu Beach renourishment

• A new building, restaurant and kiosk on a new reclamation
• Provision of Mediterranean style and finger berths for commercial vessels and visitors

After lengthy consideration, the Committee granted consents for the project, ruling the adverse effects of the proposal overall would be no more than minor given Paihia’s history.

“…The general location of the Paihia waterfront and immediately adjacent coastal water has for very many years been the hub of tourism and recreation activity, including facilities for marine-related businesses.”

“It is no longer a ‘pristine’ or unmodified part of the Bay of Islands.”

The consents range between 10 and 35 years and are subject to detailed conditions.

Mr Farnsworth says the Committee’s decisions are now open to appeal to the Environment Court for 15 working days.

ENDS

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