KEY POINTS:
A storm is once again brewing over human intervention at Whangamata's harbour, but this time it is mangroves rather than the marina creating waves of discontent.
To the surprise of mangrove opponents - who so far have got away with the illegal removal of the plants without prosecution - Environment Waikato (EW) will this week discuss whether it should become more involved in the hotly debated community issue.
A report to EW's policy committee says "any action that council takes, or does not take, will be contentious and is likely to exacerbate already existing divisions within the community".
The council's options range from a "do nothing" approach to permitting the active removal of mangroves in its regional plan, which could cost ratepayers more than $300,000.
Advocates for the removal of the plants expressed relief that EW appeared ready to make a stand.
"I put forward a presentation to Environment Waikato about 18 months ago, a 40-page argument that included scientific evidence," said the chairman of Whangamata's Harbour Care group, Brian Grant.
"Since then, I've heard nothing. No feedback at all."
He was encouraged by the developments at the local body level.
According to opponents, the plants are a pest that silt up the harbour, limiting its use and creating an eyesore.
Some locals have suggested wastewater spread on to hills above the harbour gets held up in the mangroves, as they prevent a complete tidal flush of the water.
The plants are also accused of creating "leaf mould" which creates a putrid odour downwind.
But conservationists and tangata whenua say they provide an essential habitat for marine and bird life.
No one from the iwi group Te Runanga Iwi o Ngati Tamatera or the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society could be contacted for comment.
Mr Grant said the Whangamata Marina Society wanted the mangroves removed but had been reluctant to voice opposition because of its own controversial consent process.
Since locals cleared two football-sized fields of mangroves in September 2005, Mr Grant said, little progress had been made to legally address management of the mangrove problem.
That was unlike areas of Northland, Papakura and Tauranga, where local authorities had moved to quickly resolve and address mangrove issues.
He said about 85 per cent of the Whangamata community was for mangrove removal. The staunchest opponents were "outside agencies" such as iwi members and Forest and Bird.
Last year, Environment Waikato granted Whangamata Harbour Care consent to remove mangrove seedlings, designed to halt their spread.
But action was held up when three appeals were lodged. Two were resolved but the third is still before the Environment Court.
