Protesters win battle for beach

The report says the Te Arai coastline is highly valued for its character. Photo / Northern Advocate

Opponents of a holiday resort proposal at one of the last undeveloped beaches on Auckland's east coast are claiming a major victory in a five-year battle that may yet end in court.

Rodney District Council has accepted the recommendation of independent commissioners not to allow the 180-home and park project at remote Te Arai Beach, south of Mangawhai.

Hundreds protested, particularly because of fears for the habitat of endangered New Zealand fairy tern and dotterel birds.

"It's a victory for all of the people in our region who have fought so hard to protect this amazing piece of coastline," said Te Arai Beach Preservation Society chairman Mark Walker.

"Te Arai Beach is one of the jewels of Rodney and we are all incredibly relieved that the council listened and chose this piece of coast for everyone to enjoy."

The society welcomed the commissioners' comment about the fairy tern.

The report said: "It would be irresponsible to allow unnecessary development which is likely to put the habitat further at risk."

The report also said the Pakiri-Te Arai coastline was unique on the east coast of Auckland and was highly valued as a special place with an undeveloped character.

Environmental Defence Society chairman Gary Taylor said the commissioners took a precautionary approach to the critically endangered New Zealand fairy tern.

"There are only 36 birds left and just 10 breeding pairs and the commissioner placed weight on the need to protect their habitat at the northern end of the beach."

The applicant, Te Arai Coastal Lands Trust, is a joint venture between Northland iwi Te Uri o Hau and developer NZ Land Trust.

It trimmed an 850-home proposal to 180 homes, a thermal spa and golf course in the pine forest.

It was suggested this could be the core of a park, including public reserves and Crown land, stretching along 11.5km of scenic coast.

Project spokesman Ewen Henderson said other land use options and an appeal to the Environment Court were being considered.

"It is particularly disappointing for Te Uri o Hau, who had the land returned to them as a commercial asset in their Treaty of Waitangi settlement with the Crown,"said Mr Henderson.

"This decision denies them the opportunity to release value from the settlement and generate commercial returns, jobs and economic uplift, which could be of ongoing benefit to the hapu.

"In effect, the decision asks the hapu to forgo returns while maintaining private land for public and environmental benefit."

www.Rodney.govt.nz