The Environmental Protection Authority has advised that resource consent had been granted for a Boat Harbour to be developed in Keepa Road in Whakatane.
John Rae, chair of Te Rāhui Herenga Waka Whakatāne 2021 Limited Partnership welcomed the news.
“The project team has worked closely with stakeholders on this project including our project partners to develop a project that will address the lack of maritime infrastructure in the town and provide opportunity for the region through the maritime and tourism industries, whilst delivering the project with a very sound environmental proposition.”
“Now our role is to ensure that through good governance, and planning Te Rāhui Herenga Waka delivers to the strategic objectives of the project for its four partners: the Te Rāhui Lands Trust, Whakatāne District Council, Government’s Provincial Growth Fund via Kānoa Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit, and Ngāti Awa Group Holdings.”
Sustainability considerations have been top-of-mind from the beginning, says Te Rāhui Lands Trust Chairman Brian Simpson. He explains this includes both human and environmental aspects of sustainability.
“We are excited about what this means for the future of the region,” says Mayor of Whakatāne, Judy Turner. “The idea of a fit for purpose sustainable facility for berthing vessels has been considered for some time because it enables the region to be home to a commercial marine hub that will create long term job opportunities in the maritime and tourism sectors, and provide critical infrastructure that many marine businesses in the town require to support their ongoing businesses in Whakatāne.”
The Project Director for the Boat Harbour Phil Wardale said the region was supported by the Fast Track consenting process which provided certainty of timing for the consenting process. “We thank all submitters who answered the call from the EPA to provide their views on the project,” says. “Many contributed their knowledge of the area, which has helped us to refine the project design to ensure it will perform to a very high level, particularly in relation to environmental matters regarding local water quality and ecology.”
Subject to construction timelines, the first boats could move in early in 2025.
