Rt Hon Helen Clark, Prime Minister (pm@ministers.govt.nz) Hon. David Benson-Pope, Minister of Environment (dbenson-pope@ministers.govt.nz) Hon. Chris Carter, Minister of Conservation (ccarter@ministers.govt.nz) Hon Damien O'Connor, Minister of Tourism (doconnor@ministers.govt.nz) Waikato Regional Council, aka Environment Waikato, Attn: Council Members (info@ew.govt.nz)
Rt Hon Helen Clark Prime Minister PO Box 18888 Parliament Buildings Wellington NEW ZEALAND
Re: Decision on Whangamata Marina Society Inc.’s Restricted Coastal Activity Applications
Dear Prime Minister Helen Clark:
We are very disappointed in the recent decision of Hon. David Benson-Pope, Minister for the Environment, to contradict and reverse the decision by Hon. Chris Carter. We believe a Motion for Reconsideration is now in order and encourage your office to move on reconsidering this unfortuitous decision that was admittedly made without consideration of all input and relevant information. See, Decision on Application, p. 3, ¶ 15.
To show solidarity of the Ministry and reverence for culture and the environment, Honorable Chris Carter’s opinion rejecting the coastal permit (application 953758) could have easily been supported by Hon. Benson-Pope by merely clarifying to the Court the negative environmental, health and cultural impact that will inevitably befall the local community of Waikato. Hon. Carter rejected the Application because it was so legally impractical due to the overwhelming cultural and environmental obstacles hindering the small private interests of the marina.
Although Save the Waves has many environmental impact concerns regarding the dredging and sediment fill that will be dumped upon the natural marine flora, special attention must also be given to the negative impact that this project will have on tourism and the economy. Thousands of surfers and their accompanying family and friends travel to New Zealand to enjoy the natural waves of Whangamata. With the quality of this favored surf destination depleted by dredging and sediment, many people will choose to visit elsewhere which will inevitably have a negative impact on the local economy. The benefit to 205 berth marina is not more valuable than the health, welfare and enjoyment of thousands of beach enthusiasts, surfers and local businesses. Therefore, the impact of this Decision may extend to the health of the local economy if an ocean assessment and study is not conducted on the Whanga bar at issue.
Significantly, by definition under the RMA, the environment includes people and communities, as well as “social, economic, aesthetic, and cultural conditions which affect the matters,” which is why it is essential that your government assess the destructive public impact that approval of such a private interest Application will have on your citizens. See, Glossary of RMA Terms. The “affected people” will include the thousands of local businesses, and beach visitors. In this situation, the local voices have not been incorporated into the Application for the Marina because it is clear that the Marina only benefits a select few and not the local people, cultural ecosystem or public at large.
Likewise, beach enthusiasts are not being considered pursuant to the RMA because the Decision on the Application does not require the contractors to present any scientific information on how the changes to morphology of the harbour (due to the construction of the marina) will impact the bar formations at the harbour entrance. Therefore, the decision needs amending because an environmental study is imperative to assess the impact of this Marina project on the wave. This information and study is vital to complete before allowing this project to move forward.
Additionally, with many Iwi tribal areas in the Waikato Region, much attention should be given to the Tuwharetoa, Ngati Tahu, Ngati Raukawa, Arawa, Ngati Maniapoto, Waikato-Tainui, Hauraki and Ngaati Te Ata. With the current opinion of Hon. Benson-Pope, theoretically, when (not if) archeological remains are encountered, a bulldozer “should cease” until further consultation. See, Coastal Permits & Conditions, p. 3, ¶ 15. The fact that substantial construction is approved in an area presumed to encounter koiwi remains is irresponsible and disrespectful. Furthermore, there is no language in the Decision with the enforcement power of the Historic Places Trust. Being that the Historic Places Trust has been found mention-worthy in the Order as an authority for koiwi remains, perhaps this Trust’s opinion should be considered prior to approving such a project.
Please be informed that Save the Waves Coalition and thousands of other individuals and groups will join the opposition that the Green Party and Maori Party have against this project. Should this ministry choose not to amend and/or reconsider their recent decision, our opposition will be voiced with the Waikato Regional Council. As you are aware, approval by the Waikato Regional Council is necessary for numerous steps within this project. See, Coastal Permits & Conditions, p. 1-2, ¶¶ 6-7, p. 3 ¶10, p. 5-8 ¶¶27-35, et. al. We anticipate that the Council will be interested in their local community’s opinion and concern for the negative impact on tourism, environment, marine quality and cultural reverence. Please show your concern for the same and reconsider Hon. Benson-pope’s decision approving an unnecessary and destructive project.
P.S. Thank you for leading the diplomatic protest against Japan's whaling programme in the Antarctic. Please continue to show your protection of marine life in Whangamata.
Very Truly Yours, Your Name Your Occupation Your City, State, Country
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