To: Trevor Mallard, Minister of the Environment tmallard@ministers.govt.nz Re: The marina project at Whangamata Date: 07/07/08
Save the Waves would like to register its support for an independent inquiry into all the issues regarding the processing of resource consents by Environment Waikato and Thames Coromandel District Council. We are particularly alarmed that there have been recent, significant changes to the marina’s plan – and that these new modifications have been made on a non-notified basis. We urge the Minister of the Environment to undertake an independent overview of this matter immediately since construction is due to begin at any time.
Save the Waves is an international coalition of surfers dedicated to preserving the world's surf spots and their surrounding environments. Our goal is to preserve and protect surfing locations around the planet and to educate the public about their value. Surfers all over the world are aware of the threat to the Whangamata wave and are following these developments closely.
It is our position that the potential benefits from the construction of the 205 berth marina are completely outweighed by the potential damage to the waves of the Whangamata sand bar and the entire ecosystem of the Moanaanuanu estuary. Save the Waves supports New Zealand’s Surfbreak Protection Society, in opposing this project. We also steadfastly support the Hauraki Iwi’s ancestral claims to the estuary and their efforts to protect the Whangamata Kai moana bed. Finally, we would like to emphasize that the project is geared toward benefiting a relatively small number of people at great expense to many. Indeed, Whangamata’s tourist industry, its citizens, the Hauraki Iwi, the estuary and its local economy are all being placed at great risk for the benefit of 205 boat owners.
Please keep in mind surfers from all over the world love New Zealand. The country is held in high regard - not just because of its great waves and friendly people, but also because it does a first rate job of protecting its natural environment. We believe that the construction of this project would be completely out of character with this record.
Respectfully yours,
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