July 09, 2018
Ōrakei backing Cup waterfront plan
Ngāti Whātua Ōrakei is backing the final plan for infrastructure for the next America’s Cup regatta.
It has filed an application with the Environment Court supporting Auckland Council property arm Panuku Development’s notified resource consent.
Deputy chair Ngārimu Blair says the iwi is confident the development agency now understands the importance of the Waitemata Harbour as a taonga.
Ngāti Whātua has opposed the previous plan because it said it would degrade the mauri of the harbour.
He says the council has also promised to support an investigation into the establishment of a Māori/Polynesian cultural centre somewhere along the Waterfront CBD.
He says Ōrakei has had a long and positive relationship with Emirates Team New Zealand.
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