A controversial marina in the Northland region of New Zealand will be fast-tracked through the review process after a relevant application by Hopper Developments and Azuma Property was approved by the Minister of Infrastructure, Chris Bishop.
The Waipiro Marina is marketed as an “exciting new project set to reshape the future of boating and tourism in the stunning Bay of Islands”, but has attracted opposition from local Māori groups and recreational boaters.
The proposed design features over 200 berths for vessels between 10 and 50 metres, a public boat ramp, fuel dock and a “vibrant mix of retail and commercial spaces”. According to the application lodged at the Ministry of Infrastructure, the project would also involve upgrading road access, limited vegetation clearance, dredging, reclamation for parking and services, pile and pier installation, building construction and landscaping.
The decision on the referral application read that the minister is satisfied that the Waipiro Marina project “is an infrastructure or development project that would have significant regional or national benefits”. Projects can only be referred to the fast-track approvals process if they meet this requirement. The decision to refer the project to the fast-track process is not a final approval, rather it enables an expedited review.
The marina is estimated to bring $177-218 million NZD in value-added GDP, provide around 140 “full-time equivalent jobs” over a 30-year period, provide economic benefits for recreational users and local small-scale fishing operations, and contribute to increased regional tourism from domestic and international markets.
Māori groups have however expressed firm opposition to the proposed marina. Kohu Hakaraia of the Patukeha group said: “We are deeply concerned and do not understand how the minister could disregard the united opposition to this proposal from across the district”, adding that they felt that their voices “have not been adequately heard”.
According to the New Zealand Herald, an online petition disagreeing with the use of fast-track legislation for the site has gathered 14,600 signatures. The Far North Mayor Moko Tepania has also voiced opposition to the fast-track process, although has said that he is “neither here nor there personally over this project”.
Members of the nearby Russell Boating Club also voted at their annual general meeting in June to oppose use of fast-track approvals with regards to the Waipiro Marina project. Speaking to the New Zealand Herald, life member and former commodore of the club Jay Howell said the area was a quiet, treasured destination for locals to “anchor up and enjoy getting away from the hustle and bustle of Russell and the western flank of the Bay of Islands”.
However, he also argued that the proposed marina and boat ramp would overwhelm the waterways with boat traffic and take business away from existing commercial centres that are already struggling.
A statement released by Waipiro Marina on 7 August read: “We acknowledge and appreciate that community perspectives on the marina project are diverse, and we remain sensitive to all feedback.
“We continue to proactively engage with local stakeholders, iwi and hapū [Māori] groups to discuss concerns, opportunities and collaborative solutions. We strongly believe that a partnership approach will ensure the project delivers broad community benefits while addressing and mitigating any potential impacts.”
