Coromandel subdivision annoys

Environmental groups have called for greater protection of Coromandel's coastal areas after a subdivision on a remote strip of land was given the go-ahead.

The Environment Court has granted approval for a proposed 79-lot subdivision at isolated Opito Bay, north of Whitianga, subject to conditions.

Owners Murray and Sue Eden plan to sell large sections of the 390ha they own at Opito Bay and Otama. They said the land was no longer sustainable because of the cost of rates.