Source: Environmental Protection Authority
23 June 2022
A fast-track consenting panel has approved the development of a commercial boat harbour at Keepa Road, on the true left bank of the Whakatāne River, just downstream from the State Highway 30 bridge.
The boat harbour will be constructed through a partnership with the Whakatāne District Council, Te Rāhui Lands Trust, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Awa Group Holdings Limited, Te Rāhui Herenga Waka Whakatāne Limited and the Provincial Growth Fund Limited.
As part of the project, consents were also given to construct an access channel, recreate a wetland at 2 Keepa Road, undertake dredging and install navigational aids on the Whakatāne River.
The expert consenting panel granted resource consent, with conditions, to Te Rāhui Herenga Waka Whakatāne Limited.
The decision comes 96 working days after the application was lodged with the EPA.
The EPA is not involved in the decision-making, but provides support for the panel convener, Judge Laurie Newhook, and the expert consenting panels he appoints.
