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Plans by television rugby commentator and former All Black Murray Mexted to build holiday homes on a beach near Mahia in Hawke's Bay have met opposition from locals.
Mexted and his business partner, Paul Williams, have applied for resource consent to subdivide two lots of land into six lots at Mahanga. The site is bounded by a wetland, a stream and an ancient burial site.
The men and two others bought the land five years ago, intending to build beach houses for their own use. They have applied for resource consents from Wairoa District Council and Hawke's Bay Regional Council.
Locals have formed an incorporated society called Mahanga E Tu meaning "stand up Mahanga" to fight the proposal.
Society chairwoman Margaret Fraser said they felt strongly about the matter.
"We have concerns about the impact on the local unspoilt character, and particularly the loss of vehicle access to the beach," Mrs Fraser said.
Mexted said he was surprised by the locals' criticism as he and Mr Williams had undertaken extensive consultation.
He said he had never intended to prevent vehicle access to the beach and a planned rock wall to prevent erosion would retain vehicle access to the beach if the council required it.
The regional council has requested further information from the applicants.
- NZPA
