October 07, 2015
Blessed start to Opua marina
Northland hapu Ngati Manu been told the council-owned company expanding the Bay of Islands Marina at Opua feel the same responsibility to protect and enhance the environment as tangata whenua.
Construction started this week after the site was blessed by Reverend Hirini Parata and Reverend Glenys Davis.
Far North Holdings chair Ross Blackman says the company recognises the tangata whenua of the area.
The project faced tough opposition, but in February the Karetu Marae Committee signed an agreement with the company to create a kaitiaki partnership to protect not only the environment of the Taumarere River but also the social, cultural and economic well-being of the people.
Ngati Manu values relating to land, water, waahi tapu sites, flora and fauna were recognised.
Construction is expected to take 15 months.
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