“Whilst recognising the importance of our river’s mangrove ecosystem and understanding concerns being voiced about the removal of some mangroves, the portion being removed constitutes only 0.07 per cent of the broader Whangārei Harbour’s mangroves. An extensive environmental study was conducted as part of the resource consent process. The results indicated that the marine invertebrates in the area are not diverse, abundant, or rare, nor are there species of specific conservation interest. This result reinforced the decision to use this site compared to others close by,” Beck said.
Since being advised by Northland Regional Council that disposal of the mangroves was not specifically covered in the resource consent for the mud fill site at Kissing Point, hasty and well-considered alternatives had to be assessed, she said.
“It was decided that helicopter removal is the most efficient method. It would have least public disturbance in a short time at a similar cost than a difficult shoreside removal right beside a busy road. Road closures and lengthy traffic management could be avoided. The arborist has effectively used this method elsewhere in New Zealand.”
The trees are being lifted across to the new Port Rd round-about work site where the chipping machinery is processing them. Skyworks hopefully will finish the operation on Saturday.
“We understand human activity has an effect on our environment and are confident the project will find a balance by establishing new ecological values. The new sea wall will provide a new intertidal habitat, with voids ready to be colonised by invertebrates and small fish,” Beck said.
“It also has to be emphasised that neither the new Ōkara Marina nor the Town Basin Marina are run by the council; in fact, it is all managed by an independent non-profit trust. Earnings generated from this new marina will also be reinvested directly back into our local water sports community. Organisations like our rowing clubs, sea scouts, waka ama, sailing clubs, and school water sports teams benefit greatly from this support.”
She said with minimal environmental effects the new marina will bring many positives to Whangārei benefiting boaters and the general public through new jobs in Northland’s marine and tourism industry; increased funding to local water sports groups; $16 million investment into the local economy per year; an alternative to yachts navigating the opening bridge; welcoming low carbon international sailing tourists and an extension to the waterside Hātea Loop walk.
Dredging of the marina basin will start next week.