Construction is complete of the marina and harbor expansion that threatens one of New Zealand's best waves. Save The Waves Coalition member Surfbreak Protection Society reports that tension between "boaties" and surfers has reached new levels and the community is divided over the issue. Surfbreak Protection Society is closely monitoring the situation: click here for most recent information and follow the blog about the issue. A news report can be read here about the marina opening.

Background history on the issue: The Whangamata Bar, aka the Whanga Bar, yet another World Class surf spot, is now possibly on the verge of destruction due to a project to house a 205 berth marina. Thousands of surfers use the area for recreational purposes and the local Iwi, or Maori tribe, also opposes the marina because of fears that traditional food-gathering areas will be lost. The estuary is also a part of the Maori's heritage where archeological artifacts may be unearthed during construction.

The marina's site is on the sea bed of the Moanaanuanu Estuary of the Whangamata harbor. The estuary is home to many species of fish, shellfish, seabirds, mangroves, salt-marshes, and the natural sand bar. This area is one of the few parts of coastline left undeveloped in the North Island. The proposal is designed to hold a select 205 berths which will expand over 4 hectares of coastal marine zone, 300 meters of breakwater structures will be constructed, and 167,000 cubic meters of dredging will occur for both the marina basin and the channel. The dredged sand will be dumped atop a natural salt-marsh covering 1.4 hectares.

Minister of Conservation Hon. Chris Carter rejected the Marina application, but the High Court of Appeal sent it back for re-review. In October 2006, Carter assigned the Marina application to Minister of Environment Hon Benson Pope.