May 31, 2022
Minister powerless to stop Waiheke marina
Conservation Minister Kiritapu Allen has told Waiheke iwi and residents she does not have the power to stop a marina development at Kennedy Point-Pūtiki Bay.
Ngāti Pāoa Trust Board is asking the Court of Appeal to overturn the consent for the project because it says Auckland Council failed to seek its view as the mandated representative of the iwi at that time.
At a meeting on the island last week, Ms Allen told critics she was angry her department did not submit the application when it was lodged in 2016.
She says at the time DoC had only one person responsible for consent for the entire North Island.
Since becoming Government Labour has resources the department’s resource management advocacy so it can respond to such applications, but it’s too late to revisit the Kennedy Point consent.
She also has no power in the Wildlife Act to stop works, even if they impact on the kororā or little blue penguins nesting in Pūtiki Bay.
She has asked for a review of the act earlier this year, which could result in more powers to protect native species and threatened species.
She has also asked DoC to work alongside Ngāti Pāoa and the Waiheke community on a range of measures with respect to kororā care.
Ms Allen urged Auckland Council and the developers to meet with the community.