Controversial Whangamata marina opens

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A long running political saga has drawn to an end with the opening of a marina at Whangamata this weekend.

Prime Minister John Key yesterday cut the ribbon to open the 205-berth marina in the Coromandel township, ending a 15-year battle by the project's developers.

Last year the then Labour government Environment Minister David Benson-Pope gave the marina the go-ahead, overturning a decision by his Conservation Minister Chris Carter, who had earlier vetoed the $10 million project.

The reversal followed the Whangamata Marina Society obtaining a High Court ruling that Mr Carter failed to follow proper processes when he vetoed resource consents.

Mr Carter tried to stop the development despite an Environment Court ruling it should go ahead with conditions.

Local Maori and environmental groups objected to the marina, worried about the loss of shellfish beds and salt marsh.

Surfers were also against the marina because they feared the loss of popular wave break.

- NZPA