09/06/2005

Kawhia divided over proposed subdivision

Otorohanga District Council has declined an application for a new subdivision at Kawhia, with the matter now destined for the Environmment Court.
Dave MacPherson and Jane Stevens applied to the council for consent to subdivide a 13ha property near Kawhia into six rural lots.
The proposed subdivision - located about 6km east of the Kawhia to wnship on Motutara Peninsula, adjacent to the Puti Bridge and Mangaora inlet - is intended for residential or rural lifestyle activities.
Eight submissions were received, with a formal hearing at Kawhia Sports Club last month.
Four submitters opposed the subdivision, with three supporting it, while Environment Waikato held a neutral stance.
Opposing the subdivision Te Runanga o Ngati Hikairo, stated that the development would have a significant impact on the cultural, historical and environmental significance of Motutara Peninsula.
The group also highlighted their concern at the subdivision being a "sporadic development" inconsistent with the district plan and contravening the New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement and Resource Management Act.
They argued that it might encourage further "uncontrolled and sporadic development around the harbour margin," and lay the foundation for gradual "crawling development" across the whole peninsula.
Other issues raised by Te Runanga o Ngati Hikairo included use of a road reserve and large tribal urupa being compromised as well as the potential loss of the coastal environment's natural character.
Echoing these concerns, Kawhia Harbour Protection Society objected to the application "in its entirety." In a submission drafted by legal advisor, Virginia Shaw, the society argued the site would be unsuitable for residential development because of active land slippage.
"Kawhia Harbour Protection Society has studied the geotechnical reports submitted with the application, and considers that the stability hazards posed to at least the proposed Lots 4 and 5, and possibly also Lot 2, are sufficiently serious to justify declining the application," their submission stated. The society also commented on. the proximity of the proposed subdivision in relation to a marine farm - raising concerns at the potential for the farm to be affected with pollutants from sewage disposal, earthworks and stormwater.
Alan and Glenda Nicholson, owners of the marine farm, also made a submission opposing the proposed development.
"Commonsense tells us we must object to the proposed subdivision at the Puti bridge," their submission stated., citing unstable land and sewage systems as their main areas of concern.
The fourth submission opposing the development came from the proprietors of Mangaora 'A' Block. This group opposed the subdivision "due to the Wahi Tapu and archaeological sites well known amongst the Tainui people," as  well as the impact on the harbour and fishing. They also believed the development would take away the significance of the area.
Local resident John Mills' submission supported the subdivision, suggesting the project could benefit the area by encouraging more people to live in the district.
He believed this would ultimately be positive by producing more ratepayers, creating more profit for local businesses, providing more volunteers for community groups and more members for sports groups.
Local residents Jim and Ngairie Emmett also supported the subdivision.
The final party to make a submission in favour of the development was Transit NZ, who stated that the development "is unlikely to create any significant adverse effects on the state highway, nor does it warrant the imposition' of any conditions to mitigate those effects."
After considering submissions, the council announced last week it had declined the application. Chief executive David Hall said the "deciding factor was the site's instability, with the area prone to landslides and erosion."
Mr MacPherson said he now intends to take the issue to the Environment Court.
"We do not accept the council's decision," he said. The developers have 15 working days to appeal.

Community tackles trades shortages at new centre

The future of trades in Otorohanga looks brighter following the official opening of the Trade Training Centre last week.
Attended by about 70 people, the opening last Thursday included a blessing and prayer by local kaumatua, a welcome by Otorohanga Trade Centre Wintec advisory committee chairman Andrew Giltrap, speeches and unveiling of a sponsors' board.
Mr Giltrap said the successful establishment of the Trade Training Centre could be attributed to the determination of the Otorohanga community.
"We don't believe in taking our time but going out there and making it happen," he said.
Mayor Dale Williams, who is also a member of the Wintec advisory committee, acknowledged the community's support in raising almost $50,000 in funds and equipment.
"This is a very small community but it has a big heart," he said.
"We would not, and could not, be here today without these fantastic organisations and contributors."
Te Kuiti and Otorohanga Wintec campus manager Marlene Perry described everyone involved with the centre as "make it happen" kind of people.
"It gives me goosebumps to see how well the building has come together,' she said.
Speeches were also made by King Country MP Shane Ardern, and Wintec acting chief executive, Neil Cooper - both praised the community.
"It's an example of community initiative and the people in the community knowing what is best for them," said Mr Ardern.
"We would not be here today if it were not for the considerable community support," said Mr Cooper.
Following the speeches, the centre's first intake of students were acknowledged, with each receiving a certificate and gift.
Head tutor Arthur Laws also received a special framed certificate.
A highlight of the opening was McDonald's Lime's announcement that they would be contributing $10,000 as a foundation scholarship for the Trade Training Centre students.
Otorohanga Rotary Club will also make a contribution to the centre on an annual basis.