Partnership milestone for Te Rāhui

 Whakatāne’s new commercial boat harbour is one step closer to construction with the formalisation of a partnership between Te Rāhui Lands Trust, Whakatāne District Council, Ngāti Awa Group Holdings, the Crown via Kānoa – Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit, and agreement from landowners to progress the development.  

The project will create the equivalent of at least 30 full time jobs during its construction, and longer term is expected to create upwards of 600 of new jobs and flow-on economic benefits for Whakatāne.  As part of the project, areas of wetland will be restored and improvements made for public and recreational use of the Wairaka area, where boats are currently berthed. 

Te Rāhui Lands Trust Chairman Brian Simpson says the project will restore the connections and mauri of the river for future generations, and enable key outcomes for the Trust to be achieved. “The project has empowered us as Kaitiaki to utilise our whenua in a way that respects and protects the dynamic river environment and provides employment and training for our owners and Ngāti Awa.”

 Mayor of Whakatāne Judy Turner says,“Council has long supported the development of a new boat harbour to further unlock opportunities in our local marine and tourism sectors, and to drive wider economic, social and environmental benefits.

“The project forms a key part of our District’s economic development strategy, which is further magnified by our need to respond to Covid and its impacts.  This unique partnership represents a new and exciting way of delivering core infrastructure into our region.”

Mr Simpson acknowledged East Coast MP Kiri Allan as a key player in supporting the Trust and partners to reach agreement.

“We recently met with Kiritapu Allan and were excited to share the news that the partnership had been formally established between Te Rāhui Lands Trust, Whakatāne District Council, Ngāti Awa Group Holdings Ltd and the Crown via Kānoa – Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit". 

Te Rāhui Lands Trust Representatives met with Kiri Allan last week. Pictured from left: Charles Bluett, East Coast MP Kiri Allan, Brian Simpson, Te Arani Barrett and Dayle Hunia.

Ms Allan says the formalisation of the partnership represents an important milestone in the region’s economic development.  “I congratulate the partners on the hard work to date and look forward to seeing the project come to fruition” she said. 

Project Director Phil Wardale confirms that the project has gained approval to utilise the Fast-Track consenting pathway, which enables a  more streamlined consent approval process, designed to support New Zealand’s recovery from the economic and social impacts of COVID-19. 

“Fast-tracking the consenting application means the review and processing time frames are condensed.  This means it’s up to us as a project team to ensure we have provided a robust and well considered application that answers any and all questions that may arise.” 

 Community engagement will be ongoing as the project moves through the consenting process. Subject to receipt of consents, construction is expected to begin the second half of 2022.