By TONY GEE
One of two companies seeking to continue sand mining at Mangawhai Harbour says it's relaxed about a decision recommending a halt to sand extraction there.
Norsand managing director Murray Wilkinson said if the company was no longer wanted in Mangawhai "we won't go there".
In a decision released yesterday, a
Northland Regional Council hearings committee said continued commercial sand mining proposed in the harbour was not appropriate or sustainable.
The committee is recommending to Conservation Minister Chris Carter that he decline applications by Norsand and Sea Tow, which wanted to continue extracting sand from the harbour to supply to construction projects in the Auckland area.
Norsand and Sea Tow had sought resource consents from the council to each take 25,000cu m of sand annually for 10 years.
But a council committee which heard the consent applications last month said mining had the potential to adversely affect the coastline and Mangawhai Spit.
Adverse effects included impacts on the structure of the spit, wildlife habitat and the local community.
Mr Wilkinson said he felt happy about what the company had done at Mangawhai.
