An agreement that aims to protect the Taumarere River while allowing a controversial marina extension to go ahead at Opua is being hailed a "win-win" by the hapu that initially opposed the expansion.
Last year council-owned company Far North Holdings (FNH) unveiled plans to expand the existing 250-berth marina with 170 new berths as well as a 1ha reclamation and new on-shore facilities. FNH said the expansion was needed because all berths in the marina's first stage had been pre-sold so there was nowhere for visiting yachties to stay.
The proposal, however, ran into vocal opposition from Opua residents who feared its effects on water quality, erosion, traffic volumes and access to the waterfront. The Karetu Marae Committee vowed to fight the expansion in the Environment Court but has signed a ground-breaking agreement with FNH instead.
The Memorandum of Understanding establishes a kaitiaki (guardianship) partnership to protect the environment as well as social, cultural and economic well-being. Among other things it recognises Ngati Manu values relating to land, water, waahi tapu sites, flora and fauna.
Chairman Arapeta Hamilton said the MOU, the committee's first agreement of its type with FNH, was a "win-win".