Marae site is clean, investigation shows

4 February 2016
Work will begin soon on an iconic new urban marae for New Plymouth after a site investigation found no significant contamination resulting from previous activities including oil exploration and production.

The Ngati Te Whiti site in Bayly Road underwent a detailed investigation funded by the Taranaki Regional Council and the Government’s Contaminated Sites Remediation Fund. The site report published today reveals that the only items of interest encountered by investigators were an old beer bottle and an electrical insulator.

Ngati Te Whiti Chief Executive Shaun Keenan says tenders will be called this month for the new marae. He says it was “a little disappointing” that more interesting historic artefacts were not turned up but the hapu is very pleased that nothing stands in the way of its plans.

Ngati Te Whiti oversaw the site investigation to ensure it was carried out in a culturally respectful manner. The New Plymouth District Council also had a representative on the project board to ensure the quick resolution of any issues that might have affected the issuing of a building consent.

The investigation included geophysical analysis to confirm the exact location of the Waitapu Urupa and to locate two old wells on the site, as well as demolition material from old baches. Soil and groundwater were then sampled at multiple depths, and vapour samples also taken for analysis. All samples met human health criteria.

Only one of the two previously unlocated wells was found but no hydrocarbon contamination was found in the area where the other was thought to have been drilled.

Some low-level asbestos contamination was encountered at depth where the marae building is planned. This material will be excavated and removed for appropriate disposal.

The Taranaki Regional Council Chairman, David MacLeod, says the Council is delighted to have played a supporting role for Ngati Te Whiti. “Not only is the planned marae essential for Ngati Te Whiti, but it will also be a valuable community asset,” he says. “The design allows for a section of the New Plymouth Coastal Walkway to weave through the facility, so all will be able to experience it.”

Council Science Manager Victoria McKay says the investigation project went well, with great communication and a strong collaborative work ethic among all who were involved. “It was obvious how excited and proud everyone was to be working on such an important and iconic project,” she says. “To find nothing of concern was the icing on the cake. It means there is nothing to halt the marae development now.”

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