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Anchorage shortage sparks marina proposal

 

By Julia Wade

nrc-498Mangawhai Harbour may soon contain more vessels in its waters due to Northland Regional Council’s (NRC) proposed plan to add more moorings, sparking concern that the increase may lead to the development of a marina.


Released on September 6, the council’s regional plan recognises six Northland areas in high demand for marinas and moorings - Mangonui, Kerikeri, Russell, pua, Tutukaka, and Mangawhai. NRC Planning and Policy Analyst Michael Payne says that if the council and community want to accommodate this demand, given the limited opportunities to expand mooring zones in these areas, high-density moorings including pile and trot moorings as well as marinas, could prove a viable way to provide additional boat storage.

“However the council is not proposing a marina in Mangawhai,” he says. “While the proposed plan includes marina zones, no such zoning has been proposed in the Mangawhai Harbour. The key thing is that while the policy recognises that there is a demand and limited space, it does not smooth the way for a marina development.” Local environmentalist and chair for Save Te Arai, Aaron McConchie says his personal view is that while NRC’s clarification on pole moorings is in keeping with the existing estuary moorings, a marina with all the required land and water based facilities is not suited to the harbour and will be detrimental to the area.

“The estuary is a delicate infrastructure and needs to be cherished and conserved for the future as there aren't many estuarine systems with such a large local population around them that have clear waters and support an abundance of fish, wildlife and shellfish,” he says. “Removing the option of a marina from the NRC’s long term plan, safeguards the harbour for the immediate future from being exploited.” NRC’s regional plan proposes a 1.5 hectare extension to the current Findlay Street mooring, relocating up to three existing moorings within the harbour as well as a placement of two or three new ones.

A swimming platform in the area, which has resource consent, will not be impeded by the additional moorings. “NRC has received a number of submissions on this issue which will be considered by a hearings committee around the middle of the next year,” Payne says.

„ For more info on the NRC regional plan, go to www.nrc.govt.nz/YourCouncil/Council-Projects/New-RegionalPlan Section D 5; Coastal policies, D.5.10 and D.5.1.7
 
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