Marina suspends breakwater bid

Tauranga Bridge Marina has suspended its application to build a 245m rock breakwater in Tauranga Harbour while it talks to groups that oppose the bid.
The marina applied late last year to the Bay of Plenty Regional Council for resource consent to build the breakwater, which would border the northern edge of the marina and provide better protection to vessels moored within it.
The pontoon that rings the marina had failed to offer enough protection to berth-holders during past storm events, which had caused damage to some vessels.
Most of the 52 submissions on the application back the plan, but some parties - namely Port of Tauranga, the New Zealand Transport Agency, Ngati Ranginui Iwi Society and Te Runanga o Ngati Kahu - have objected.
The port has stated the breakwater would have "significant adverse effects" on the environment - particularly on the port's operations now and in the future - and cited specific concerns about the depositing of sediment into shipping channels, scouring of the harbour bed and the possible erosion of its infrastructure.
Marina manager Tony Arnold said the marina was speaking with objectors and said the process was "looking positive at the moment".
"We are working through some issues with the objectors and basically we've just got to gather a bit more modelling information, which we are working on. We are not too worried."
Bay of Plenty Regional Council senior consents officer, Reuben Fraser, said he had met with marina representative Glen Nicholson and both had agreed it was a "good idea" to put the application on hold while the objectors' issues were addressed.
"The marina would like to avoid a big battle through the hearings process," he said. "The next step for the applicant will be to come back to us and let us know whether they've made any progress or not."
If objectors withdrew their rights to be heard at a hearing, the council could make a decision under delegated authority without having to appoint a commissioner.