Panel backs $12m marina plan

The plan will see Opua Marina extended as far as the jetty at bottom left of the photo. Photo / Michael Cunningham

A major expansion of Opua Marina is set to go ahead after a panel of commissioners granted the raft of consents required for the multi-million-dollar project, despite hapu objections.

The expansion includes 170 new berths, a one-hectare reclamation to make space for new on-shore facilities, and extensive dredging.

The marina has 250 berths and Far North District Council-owned company Far North Holdings (FNH) said the expansion is necessary because all berths in stage 1 of the marina, built 12 years ago, were pre-sold.

FNH chief executive Andy Nock said 460 cruisers arrived at Opua to clear Customs each year. If they were able to book a berth in advance instead of hoping to find one vacant they could be persuaded to stay for maintenance or sightseeing, bringing economic benefits.

Mr Nock was pleased with the commissioners' decision, but said it was just the start. The next step, if no appeal was lodged, would be to refine details of the plan and work with the people of Opua to make sure FNH had struck the right balance of commercial, community and iwi interests.

There was no start date for the project which was likely to cost about $12 million. It would be funded as a commercial project, not by ratepayers.

Some Opua residents, however, remain staunchly opposed to the plan, saying it will degrade the environment, change the town's character and increase traffic on Franklin Rd.

The hearings in Waitangi in August drew three days of sometimes fiery submissions calling for the expansion to be refused.

Arapeta Hamilton, speaking on behalf of Karetu Marae Committee and Ngati Manu, told the commissioners effluent from boats was already a problem and the marina's pump-out facility was not always available. Dredging and reclamation would affect shellfish and cut across traditional Maori rights, he said.

Andrew Lush, of the Opua Marina Liaison Committee, said consultation was inadequate and raised concerns about sedimentation and effects on tidal flows.

Kevin Johnson and Peter Trimble spoke of dust pollution from the existing boatyard, erosion, loss of access to the foreshore, and increased traffic past Opua School. An extra 60 trucks a day are expected to use Franklin St at the peak of construction.

The commissioners' strongest criticism was reserved for "ineffective" iwi consultation. Te Kapotai and Ngati Manu representatives said they had not endorsed the Cultural Impact Assessment carried out for FNH despite their hapu being named in the report.

The commissioners said they were told "in no uncertain terms" that hapu did not back the report.

It was "perplexing and disappointing" that the assessment's author was overseas and not available to answer questions during the hearings.

However, they said FNH had sought to engage with iwi and was willing to continue dialogue.

Opua Marina expansion

* Far North Holdings (FNH) has been granted consents to build 170 new berths, reclaim about 1ha for new onshore facilities, and dredge 32,000 cu m of seabed. The 90m terminal pontoon at Ashby's Boatyard will be removed and the main pier extended 43m into the Kawakawa River.

* The project required 20 consents from the Northland Regional and Far North District councils.

* The plan drew 287 submissions when publicly notified in April: 253 in support, 4 neutral and 30 opposed.

* Supporters said the expansion would bring jobs, economic opportunities and better public facilities. Opponents cited environmental and cultural issues, pollution, loss of public access and effects on local residents, as well as noise and traffic during construction.

* The commissioners criticised "ineffective" iwi consultation. It was "perplexing and disappointing" that the Cultural Impact Assessment's author was not available to answer questions at the hearings.

* Consent conditions include dialogue with iwi and improved public spaces.

* Consent for the reclamation is permanent. Most other consents run until 2049.

* New on-shore facilities will include a hard stand for boat maintenance, parking and new buildings for marine services, retail and accommodation.

* Opponents have 15 working days to appeal to the Environment Court.