Society Pleased With Te Arai Decision

Wednesday, 8 July 2009, 2:30 pm
Press Release: Environmental Defence Society

08 July 2009

Media Release

Environmental Defence Society pleased at coastal development decision
The Environmental Defence Society (EDS) has welcomed the decision of independent planning commissioners to turn down the controversial coastal subdivision at Te Arai Beach.

EDS Chairman Gary Taylor said that the decision was a sound one and reaffirmed the need to protect wild coastal places from sprawling development.

"The commissioners found that the development would have an adverse effect on the landscape and amenity values of the coast and that the area is largely free of built form. They referred to it as "wild" coast and found that the Resource Management Act requires it to be protected," said Gary Taylor.

"The commissioners also took a precautionary approach with respect to the critically endangered New Zealand fairy tern - our rarest bird.

"There are only 36 birds left and just 10 breeding pairs. The commissioners placed weight on the need to protect their habitat at the north end of the beach. That is a sound judgement and they could hardly have done otherwise.

"The decision will come as a relief to the many local people who organised themselves into an effective advocacy force," Mr Taylor concluded.

The Te Arai development proposed 180 dwellings or equivalent and is located in part of a 616 hectare property with a coastline of over 5km. It is surrounded by reserve land to the north and south. The developers sought approval for a private plan change to rezone the land for development.

The developer now has 30 working days to file an appeal to the Environment Court or to abandon the proposal.

The full decision is available at: http://rodney.govt.nz/DistrictTownPlanning/DistrictPlan/operative/Documents/Plan _Change_105/Te_Arai_decision.pdf

ends

© Scoop Media

Environmental Defence Society

EDS speaks for the environment. It has influence.

Since 1971, EDS has been driving environmental protection in Aotearoa New Zealand through law and policy change. That's why it's one of this country's most influential non- profit organisations when it comes to achieving better environmental outcomes.

EDS has expertise in key disciplines including law, planning, landscape and science. It operates as a policy think-tank, a litigation advocate, and a collaborator – bringing together the private and public sectors for constructive engagement.

EDS runs conferences and seminars on topical issues, including an annual Environmental Summit and the Climate Change and Business Conference.

EDS is a registered charity and donations to it are tax-deductible.

Contact Environmental Defence Society

• Website - www.eds.org.nz
• Email - manager@eds.org.nz
• Phone - + 64 9 302 2972
• Link - EDS National Conference
• Facebook