The Whangamata Marina construction site has been occupied by local iwi and surfers who say the project will have detrimental effects on the natural environment, including the surfing wave at the famed Whangamata sandbar, as well as the displacement of the moko skink, an endangered lizard with cultural significance. The project was due to commence construction on July 1, 2008, but has been delayed with the protest and new environmental concerns.
To read the articles by the Stuff New Zealand, please click here and here.
