Public submissions open for eco-village in Pukehina

Public submissions open for eco-village in Pukehina. Photo / Supplied

The public are invited to share their views on the proposed 139-home eco-village in Pukehina.

Public submissions for the Matuku Moana development, which aims to build 139 energy-efficient eco homes on 141ha of natural wetlands, open today.

Matuku Moana project environmental and cultural manager Buddy Mikaere said the
development would restore historic wetlands in Pukehina.

"In our proposal every home will be offset with 1ha of wetlands, which act as a natural filter and help clean run-off water from local farms," he said.

Mikaere said the wetlands also provided a natural habitat for native flora, fauna, and birds.

The Bay of Plenty region has lost an estimated 97 per cent of its fresh water wetlands, more than the national average of 90 per cent, he said.

An artist's impression of what the proposed eco-village could look like. Photo/Supplied

"This project is essentially about reinstating the land to its former glory, how nature intended it to be," he said.

But the project needed public support to go ahead, Mikaere said.

"We're calling for people to write in and show their enthusiasm for the ambitious goals we have set for delivering a world class sustainable development," he said.

"Matuku Moana is a chance to prototype a sustainable model for housing developments; the Bay of Plenty will be able to hero this project as the gold standard for future developments in New Zealand and around the world."

The 139-home eco-village will incorporate the latest green technology. Each home in
Matuku Moana will be energy efficient - complete with solar energy, solar hot water, water tanks to recycle grey water and will use advanced sewerage recycling and disposal systems.

Māori heritage and culture will be incorporated into the design elements of the development.

Matuku Moana project environmental and cultural manager Buddy Mikaere at the site of the proposed eco-village. Photo/John Borren

Local Iwi will be engaged from the outset, with the concept of kaitiakitanga
(guardianship of the land) woven into the fabric of the development.

Iwi set to play a role in the governance of the restored land, which will be protected by a trust.

The public are encouraged to have their say by making a
submission at matukumoana.co.nz