INDEPENDENT NEWS

SKP Awaits Verdict from Environmental Appeal Court

Published: Mon 26 Mar 2018 12:52 PM
SKP Awaits Verdict from Environmental Appeal Court
“It’s now a waiting game,” according to SKP Chair David Baigent. “It has been a tremendously busy and stressful 10 months preparing for the appeal against the consent given by Auckland City Council to Kennedy Point Boatharbour Limited but we have done all we can to halt what we believe to be an entirely inappropriate development at Kennedy Point.”
The Environment Court hearing took place over 5 days in Auckland presided over by Judge Laurie Newhook and Commissioners Anne Leijnen and Ian Buchanan. During the hearing SKP and the other parties opposed to the marina ran a strong case arguing that the proposed marina posed an unacceptable threat and risk to the environment (including to the Little Blue Penguin, and potential further degradation of Kennedy Point Bay and Hauraki Gulf), and that it was contrary to the planning and other relevant policies for the region.
SKP argued that contrary to the provisions of the Resource Management Act, the proposed marina would adversely affect the landscape at Kennedy Point Bay, the cultural and shared values of the community, and the public and free access and enjoyment at Kennedy Point Bay. Thanks to the generous support of the community and other donors, SKP was supported in Court by a team of ecology, landscape, coastal process, and policy experts who presented evidence that consent for a marina at Kennedy Point should be declined. Kennedy Point Boat Harbour Limited, Auckland City Council and the Kennedy Point Marina Supporters Group each put forth their evidence in support of the marina.
The Judge and the Commissioners will now deliberate and a decision is expected within 1 - 3 months time.
The SKP group recently pulled out all the stops to put on a Sun Kissed Picnic Fundraiser on Saturday February 17th with just one week to go before the court case. The event brought together anti-marina supporters from all over the island showing a tremendous amount of support for SKP.
Many who attended the event at a private beach property on Donald Bruce Road said it was one of the best island events they had ever attended with Talking Tree Hill providing fantastic play and activity opportunities for children, spoken word entertainment provided by Tanya Batt, Peter Forster and many other talented island based performers, artisan food by Waiheke island vendors who also donated part of their proceeds to the cause, Kapa Haka by Waiheke Island’s High School students and teachers, and of course island local and off island music acts.
The event raised approximately $26,000 with donations still coming in from SKP supporters.
Multi the Sheep and her owner Sue Pawley continue to keep overseas and local visitors informed as to the size and the type of marina planned for Kennedy Point and have now raised over $10,000 for the appeal.
The SKP team wishes to thank the very many individuals, families and businesses from both the island, New Zealand and the rest of the world, who gave so generously over the past 10 months.
Kathyrn Ngapo said of the many donations of time, money and products, ”This shows yet again how much love the public has for this island and has made what has been a very difficult 10 months, worth it all.”
“We are not finished yet and are still seeking donations to ensure that pending the outcome of the Environment Court decision, SKP are in a position to continue to fight for the protection of Kennedy Point and Putiki Bay. We welcome your continued support and you are able to do so through the market raffle tickets, T-shirts, or donations through our website skp.org.nz. SKP Inc is also in the early planning of a long lunch with an art auction at an island location - so stay tuned.”

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