Areas pinpointed no-go for aquaculture industry

A popular recreational fishing spot in Northland has been declared off limits to aquaculture farming as part of a number of "no-go" zones declared throughout the region by its chief environment watchdog.

The declarations are contained in the Northland Regional Council's Plan Change 4 as part of the Resource Management Act and covers the whole Whangaroa Harbour and bay, except the 86.25ha Westpac Mussels approval site inside Stephenson's Island. They also extend down to and around the Cavallis with some limited "go" areas either side of Flat Island.

Aquaculture farming is also off limits in parts of Parengarenga Harbour, Hauhora Harbour, Rangaunu Harbour, Doubtless Bay, Matauri Bay, Waikare Inlet, Whangaruru Harbour, Poor Knights' Islands, Whangarei Harbour, Hen and Chicken Islands, Kairapa Harbour, Kaikai Beach, Hokianga Harbour entrance and upper harbour, Kerekino Harbour, Ahipara, Hukatere, and inner Bay of Islands.

In 2013, the Environment Court granted Auckland-based Westpac Mussels Distributors 35-year consents for the farm despite opposition from the Whangaroa Maritime Recreation Park (WMRP), which said the farm would spoil the area's natural beauty, deprive boaties of safe anchorages and interfere with fishing.

WMRP challenged the court's decision to grant consents but lost and the Environment Court judge, Laurie Newhook, ordered costs of $113,950 to Westpac Mussels Distributors and the Northland Regional Council. WMRP members David Keys, Terry Hassall and Bryce Smith were ordered to jointly pay $80,100 to Westpac Mussels Distributors and a further $12,000 to the NRC.

A fourth member, Troy Churton, was ordered to pay costs of $17,850 to Westpac Mussels Distributors and $4000 to NRC. Mr Keys this week confirmed he and Mr Hassall have paid their share of costs of $80,100.

"We were disappointed with the Environment Court decision which, in our opinion ignored important environmental and Maori issues. We were also shocked with the cost award in what is a public interest issue," Mr Keys said.

Mr Hassall said the WMRP's aim was, and still is, to establish a maritime recreational park below the high water spring tide mark to protect the Whangaroa harbour and bay from commercial development and exploitation.

He said the group had achieved a lot in terms of "seeing off" other applications for aquaculture approvals that did not proceed.