Differences over saltmarsh at centre of marina row

The site of the proposed Whangamata marina. Picture / Alan Gibson

The ecological values of the saltmarsh inside the Whangamata estuary appear to have stymied construction of a proposed 205-berth marina, even though the Environment Court's judgment was satisfied the effects would be mitigated.

Conservation Minister Chris Carter said this week that his main concern had been the likely destruction of the wetland area, a saltmarsh adjacent to the planned $10 million marina.

That concern was the main basis for his decision to veto the project, despite the Environment Court's endorsement of it.

Mr Carter cited a paragraph from the Environment Court judgment in which the evidence of two iwi witnesses over the saltmarsh was said to be "strikingly at variance".

Both the ecological value of the saltmarsh and the value of the Marina Society's proposed ecological protection programme were disputed.

The Marina Society's expert ecologist said the saltmarsh was of limited quality, while the iwi experts said it was in good condition.

The iwi experts called the proposed reinstatement and enhancement works, valued at $44,000 plus $2000 annual maintenance, grossly inadequate.

However, later in the judgment the Environment Court noted: "... we hold that adverse effects through infilling of the saltmarsh area will be remedied by the reinstatement and enhancement of the wetland area ...".

The court also said that adverse effects on conservation values would be mitigated, with a dotterel management programme, rush marsh enhancement, and the provision of a bird roost.

While iwi, ecologists, and surfers are still celebrating the minister's decision, the Marina Society is organising a public meeting for Saturday.

Chairman Mick Kelly said Thames Coromandel mayor Philippa Barriball would run the meeting at Memorial Hall from 2pm.

Mr Carter had been invited, as had Environment Waikato chairwoman Jenni Vernon and National's environment spokesman Dr Nick Smith.

National's Coromandel MP, Sandra Goudie, will take a petition to Parliament next week requesting the approval of the necessary coastal permits without delay.

So far the petition has attracted 1300 signatures, and Mr Kelly said it was hoped that up to 2000 people would have signed it by next week.

"We're having a teleconference with our lawyers tomorrow. We're not certain yet whether there will be a judicial review, we have to look at the grounds for that. Even if we were successful the minister could still say no.

"We're talking some really expensive lawyers and processes."

But the Hauraki Maori Trust Board said Mr Carter made the right decision.

Board chairman Toko Renata said the iwi of Hauraki had been strongly opposed to the development because of its destruction of an ecologically sensitive saltmarsh and a traditional kaimoana gathering bed.

"The iwi of Hauraki are not anti-business or anti-development on the Coromandel," Mr Renata said.

"However, the proposed marina that the minister has turned down was in the wrong place."

Outspoken surfer Paul Shanks said the real issue was not whether to install a marina, but the increasing pollution of the estuary water.