14 March 2018

Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Opposes Panuku Development Auckland’s America’s Cup Resource Consent Applications

Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei has confirmed it is opposing Panuku Development Auckland’s “America’s Cup 36” and “America’s Cup – Ferry and Fishing Industry Relocation” resource consent applications.

The applications propose relocating the ferry and fishing industry berthage located on Wynyard Wharf, Halsey Street Extension Wharf and Western Viaduct, and establishing a new Ferry and Fishing Industry Relocation facility to the Western side of Wynyard Point, to facilitate the America’s Cup base and syndicate base infrastructure.

Submissions on both proposals close today.

Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Spokesperson Ngarimu Blair says the iwi’s objection is based on the recognition of the Waitemata Harbour as a taonga.

“The mauri of the harbour has been significantly degraded from extensive reclamations and port developments, and we do not support further unwarranted intrusions like the large concrete wharf structure proposed by Panuku that will extend 75m into the Waitemata.”

“We are also concerned about the two proposed 110m concrete wharf structures on Wynyard Wharf, which we were not notified about in our meetings with Panuku.”

Mr Blair says Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei would prefer an option that has minimal impact on the Harbour and is more cost effective.

“Auckland ratepayers are already facing heavy demands for protecting our ecology and trying to sort out the housing crisis, so it’s important that the America’s Cup bases are cost effective.”

Mr Blair says Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei are disappointed that Panuku, which was originally established to develop and protect Auckland’s waterfront assets, were not protecting the Harbour which is the jewel in Auckland’s crown.

“As we’ve already seen with Panuku’s support of the East-West link, which will destroy 25 hectares of the Manukau Harbour and sever the community from the harbour and Onehunga Wharf, it is being left to the community to step up to protect our special places.

“It’s disappointing their resource consent applications appear to be another case of them failing to protect the Harbours.”

Mr Blair confirmed that Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei had recently hosted Emirates Team New Zealand at Orākei Marae to celebrate the team’s success and reinforce the strong relationship formed between the two organisations.

“We’re looking forward to supporting Team New Zealand in its America’s Cup defence on the Waitemata.

“The direction of the proposed options for America’s Cup bases put forward since the Panuku proposal is encouraging, and we are confident that all parties will be able to reach a satisfactory solution.”

Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei has recently established an America’s Cup Iwi working group, which includes Waikato Tainui, Ngāti Paoa, Ngai Tai ki Tamaki, Kawerau a Maki, and Hauraki Gulf iwi Ngāti Manuhiri and Ngāti Rehua.

The group is eager to support the America’s Cup and ensure Maori maximise the significant opportunities the event will bring, ranging from jobs in the sailing industry through to supply of goods and services.

Mr Blair says the working group is also keen to work with urban Maori who are too often left out of Council driven projects.

ENDS

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