Iwi to appeal $12m Opua development

An impression of what the expanded Opua Marina will look like. Photo / Supplied

Iwi opponents of a marina expansion at Opua say they will appeal against the $12 million development.

The Northland Regional and Far North District councils granted council-owned company Far North Holdings (FNH) a raft of consents last month to expand Opua Marina from the current 250 berths to 420. The project includes dredging, a 1ha reclamation for parking and on-shore facilities, and new accommodation, retail and service buildings.

Arapeta Hamilton, who represents Ngati Manu, Karetu Marae Committee and other hapu groups, said an appeal against the consents would be lodged with the Environment Court ahead of this week's deadline.

Far North Holdings' plans compromised the mauri (life-force) of the river, he said. Hapu concerns included the expansion's effect on water quality and traditional food sources.

Mr Hamilton said his hapu were poor and lacked a "financial war chest" to fund the appeal, but had started raising money.

"That's what kaitiakitanga is about. You do your role, the cost is secondary."

Meanwhile, Opua Marina Liaison Committee member Andrew Lush said his group was in no position to appeal - but the conditions set in the consents gave Opua residents a few small victories around public access and the expanded marina's design.

In the original proposal the public could have entered the marina only with a swipe card issued by the marina office. The consent, however, requires that public access be allowed during daylight hours.

FNH had also made concessions around the design of the buildings, which Mr Lush said were incohesive and had none of the green features now routine in new buildings. He had suggested holding an architectural competition instead.

FNH chairman Ross Blackman said the original plans had already been modified as a result of opinions voiced during the consent process. The company was working with iwi on the design and with the community to refine the public and recreational spaces. The aim was turn the unfinished, industrial-looking marina into "a vibrant, landscaped waterfront setting".

Chief executive Andy Nock said there was no timeline yet for the "once in a lifetime opportunity" and the company was determined to get it right.

Mr Lush's remaining concerns include tidal current changes caused by the existing marina.