Kerikeri basin plans overturned

Historic and cultural heritage values in the Kerikeri Basin and Stone Store area have overturned a plan to build a new pontoon, gangway and landing in the basin near the store.

A Far North District Council-owned company had sought consent from the Northland Regional Council to construct a new facility with supporting piles. It would also have been used to moor a traditional steamboat in the Kerikeri River.

Regional council hearings commissioner Lorraine Hill, in a reserved decision, said the Kerikeri Basin area was of significant cultural heritage value.

The design and form of the planned facility would have more than minor adverse effects which could not be adequately controlled or mitigated by consent conditions, she said.

Improved accessibility and safety would not outweigh the adverse impact it would have on historic values in the basin area.