Fishing Boats Are Moored At Tomari Port in Naha On Japan's Southern Island Of Okinawa As Super Typhoon Neoguri Approaches The Region
Fishing boats are moored at Tomari port in Naha on Japan's southern island of Okinawa as super typhoon Neoguri approaches the region, in this photo taken by Kyodo July 7, 2014. REUTERS/Kyodo Reuters/Kyodo

The controversial Matiatia Bay Marina project is showing signs of revival. The project, mooted in 2011, had been facing stiff resistance from locals who fear it will divide the Waiheke Island. But investors are equally adamant to see the project survive, or else huge amounts of investment will go down the drain. There is so much of people's resistance to the island-paradise in the Hauraki Gulf, reported NZ herald.

Court Hearing

Now the destiny of the project will depend on the decision of the Environment Court that will start hearing the submissions about the Graham Guthrie-led Matiatia Bay Marina development. The pre-hearing conference for the Environment Court at Ostend will be on Sept 30 at the Waiheke Island. On Oct 6, the formal hearing at the Environment Court will begin.

The project has evolved into a boutique affair at a corner of the island's gateway with 160 berths. If permitted, it would be built next to the Matiatia Bay ferry terminal, now used by thousands of tourists from Auckland. Promoter Guthrie is defiant and told the NZ Herald that despite all objections, there are lots of people who want the marina to be built. A vast majority wants to go ahead.

Of the 800 people who petitioned about the project, 550 are opposing it. Leading the prtoestors are Waiheke Island residents, headed by Sir Peter Leitch and John Hawkesby, a former TV news reader. They charge that the project is an attempt at privatisation of water space. The real beneficiaries will be wealthy boat owners. The berth leases range from $50,000 to $200,000 and make them super rich. Sir Peter questions the wisdom of having the Bay in the present place. He makes his point clear that he is not against Waiheke getting a new marina, but the pain is in seeing the flashy marina tearing away the Waiheke gateway.

Investors Anxious

Promoter Guthrie dismisses all concerns and argues that a number of investors had put a "substantial amount" of money by way of deposits for berths. They would lose out if the proposal is buried. That money is non-refundable. If the development is blocked, they can only kiss their money goodbye.