Hapū and community shocked at Minister's decision to approve Waipiro Bay Marina to the next stage of Fast Track Process

MEDIA RELEASE | TUESDAY 5 ĀKUHATA 2025

Hapū and community are shocked by a decision released by Minister for Infrastructure Chris Bishop to approve the Waipiro Bay Marina to proceed to the next stage of the Fast Track Approvals Act process.

'There is no support from hapū or the wider community for the Waipiro Bay Marina. We are deeply concerned and do not understand how the Minister could disregard the united opposition" said Kohu Hakaraia of Patukeha hapū.

Nearly 15,000 people signed our petition to Protect Waipiro Bay from development. Local councils, boat and yacht clubs and wider whanaunga hapū su

pport our opposition to the use of the Fast Track Approvals Act.

'We refute the Minister's statements that the Waipiro Bay Marina is regionally or nationally significant.

The Waipiro Bay Marina Project comprises a 200 to 250-berth marina, fourteen 50-metre superyacht berths, a fuel dock, boat ramp, retail outlets, and parking. Development will require massive dredging and seabed reclamation, resulting in the destruction of the upper shore ecological and cultural heritage.

"The eastern Bay of Islands is an area of regional and national significance for its outstanding natural character. This area should be protected from large-scale commercial development and preserved for future generations," stated Sandra Scowen of the Eastern Bay of Islands Preservation Society.

'We had hoped the project would return to a full Resource Management Act process to ensure transparency and accountability throughout. As hapū and community, we feel that our voices have not been adequately heard" Hakaraia said.

ENDS

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