Promoters of an 850-home development near an unspoiled Northland beach say their latest plans will protect the area's ecology and give public access. But opponents still have serious concerns about the impact of the plans of Te Arai Coastal Lands, a joint venture of Maori-owned Renaissance Group and Queenstown-based developer New Zealand Land Trust. Last week, Rodney District Council accepted the joint venture's modified request for a plan change and a variation to the district's major planning documents.
The request aims to have a special zone for 616ha of pine forest at Te Arai beach, south of Mangawhai Harbour, to build a resort settlement. The application has to go out for public consultation in four months.
Department of Conservation spokesman Warwick Murray said the department was not satisfied with what was proposed to ensure the habitat is protected. Te Arai Preservation Society chairman Mark Walker said the application would be opposed.
"It goes against all the planning policies and it will be devastating for the fairy tern. We hope the public will come forth to submit against the proposals. Certainly, nothing we've seen allays our fears that we are going to lose the fairy tern if they build down there."
Northland beach resort plans 'endanger wildlife' - 09 Apr 2007 - NZ Herald: New Zealand National news
09-Apr-2007, 09:39
Resort may endanger wildlife 
