Paku Bay Preservation Society: Newsletter February 2005

Newsletter Vol 2 Issue 3
April 2005

ENVIRONMENT COURT HEARING NOW COMPLETED
The Environment Court hearing finally came to a close on Wednesday 13 April, after 21 days of evidence. (See Marina Hearings updates) It has seemed a very long process, due to the two week recess after the first two, and then the Easter break. It has been an extraordinary event for Tairua and we are grateful that the Court elected to hear the case here. The daily turnout of supporters has been fantastic (and we think quite unique). Judge Sheppard will be aware of the depth of community feeling and our passion for this place.
A huge thank you to Bruce Stainton and Matt Casey for their expert cross examination of the appellant’s witnesses and for leading our case and lay and expert witnesses in such a professional manner. Thank you too, to each and every person who spoke so well on behalf of us all. It was impossible to schedule exact time slots for each person to give evidence and many people spent considerable time waiting about for their turn. Lots of others helped too, with morning and afternoon teas, lunches, evening meals etc.
Now we wait for the decision………

March Fund Raising Appeal

What a fantastic bunch of supporters we have! Your quick and generous response enabled us to have both Bruce and Matt for the extra time we needed. Over $25,000 was pledged or received in just two weeks. A huge response when you have already given so much.
More details of our financial situation and the cost of the hearing at the AGM.
Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meetings of Paku Bay Preservation Society Inc. & Guardians of Paku Bay Assn Inc will be held

On Saturday 7 May 2005
At 4.00PM
At Tairua Community Hall
NOTE THE TIME CHANGE!!

We need some energetic people prepared to join the committee. Even when we win this appeal, there will still be a great deal of work to do.
If you would like to join, or nominate someone else, (ask them first) please let Bruce and Pat 07 864 8727 brucepat@xtra.co.nz or Bob and Joyce 07 864 7223 birdsall@actrix.co.nz know. You may also put forward nominations at the meeting.
When General Cameron, during the Waikato Land Wars, called on Rewi Maniapoto to surrender Orakau Pa he replied –
“Ka wha whai tonu matou Ake Ake Ake”
“We will fight on for ever and ever”
and so will we!!

We’re ready to go!!
Bring it on!! Less than a week to go before the Environment Courthearing commences. The intensive work of the last twelve months has now all come together and we are ready to present our case to the Court. We have two excellent legal representatives, half a dozen skilled expert witnesses and 36 lay witnesses all eager to convince the Court that this application is flawed andPaku Bay is not the place for a marina.

Dates:    21 February to 25 February inclusive
             28 February to 4 March inclusive two week recess
             21 March to 24 March
             29 March to 1 April
Time:     Commences 11.00am on 21 February. Thereafter His Honour Judge Sheppard will decide on the start time.

FIRST DAY OF HEARING
On the first morning at 10.00am we will gather on the reserve in front of 81 Manaia Rd to join with Bruce and Reremoana in a brief karakia/prayer. From there we will proceed to the venue together. Come and enjoy this time of support and friendship as we embark on this next very important phase of our commitment to protect this beautiful harbour.

ENVIRONMENT COURT ATTENDANCE
It is essential we demonstrate to the Court the level of importance this case has for the Tairua Community, and we would ask you to attend the hearing as often as you can. You can come and go throughout the proceedings, although it is important that you do not disrupt the process, and it is better to time your arrival/departure during a break in the evidence.

Throughout the hearing, regular updates will be emailed to members unable to attend.

1. As this appeal has been lodged by Tairua Marine Ltd and Pacific Paradise Ltd, the applicants are the first to present their evidence. Their rebuttal evidence will be presented at the same time.
2. The S274 parties supporting the applicants will follow – Judith Elliot, Dave Earley and Brian Franklin.
3. Environment Waikato and Thames Coromandel District Council are next, although we are not sure which Council will be first.
4. Department of Conservation & Iwi.
5. Paku Bay Preservation Society, Guardians of Paku Bay and other S274 parties opposing the appeal

We do not expect to be heard before the second two week period (ie week beginning 21 March). However our legal people will be cross examining throughout the hearing.

Ruth has organized an exhibition of Paku paintings at the Information Centre during the hearing

Another of our very successful pot luck dinners will be held during the break in the hearing.

Date               Saturday, 19 March
Time               6.00pm
Venue            Tairua Community Hall

You will need to bring – A meal to share, whatever you would like to drink, and your own plates,cutlery and glasses.

This will be a good time to catch up on how the hearing is going and to share some social
time together.

We have tentatively set the AGM date for 7 May and will advise details in the next newsletter.
In the meantime, give some thought for standing for the Committee. We have some tired committee members who would like a break.
Contact Bruce 07 864 8727 if you would like more info.

His Honour Judge Bollard has released an interim decision in regard to the Regional Coastal Plan Marina Variation hearing held in Whangamata in October. In the interim decision the Court states –

A marina zone should be included in the Coastal Plan for Whitianga. A zone should be included in Whangamata if the Regional Policy Statement issue detailed below can be resolved.

The decision is reserved in relation to marinas outside the zones, but the Court favours other areas being classed as non-complying.

The Court has requested EW make some changes to the Regional Policy Statement in relation to wetlands, as part of this policy is a hindrance to Whangamata Marina being granted.
Your Committee has objected to this request, as we do not see that the policy statement should be changed to accommodate any one application, nor do we believe all wetland areas in the Waikato region should be compromised to allow the Whangamata Marina to proceed.

At the request of EW and TCDC, the Court has agreed to reconvene for one day to discuss the RPS issue. We have indicated we would also like to be heard on this matter. If we have any members involved in wetland protection, please contact Joyce 07 864 7223. We would value your expertise.
Chairman Secretary Treasurer
Bruce Gilberd 07 864 8727 Diane Crosbie 09 520 1404 Joyce Birdsall 07 864 7223