Community insight sought for boat harbour construction
With preparations in full swing for the build of Te Rāhui Herenga Waka, the commercial boat harbour for Whakatāne, a group is being formed to enable members of the community to be involved in structured meetings with representatives of the boat harbour.
The group already includes representatives from twelve organisations involved in the consent proces including Whakatāne Harbour Care Group, the Whakatāne Harbour Users Group, the Whakatāne Ōhope Community Board, and others. Local community members are also invited to apply and need not be affiliated to any particular group.
It is one of three groups established to assist with monitoring: the other two are a liaison group for Tangata Whenua and a refercne group with a member from each of Te Rāhui Lands Trust, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa, Bay of Plenty Regional Council Toi Moana, Whakatāne District Council and Department of Conservation.
“The Community Liaison Group is a forum to facilitate communication and discussion between Te Rāhui Herenga Waka as consent holder and the community on issues relating to the development and operation of the boat harbour,” says Project Director Philip Wardale. “This could be operations, environmental performance, or any concerns or complaints that arise.”
“Members of this group have a key role as an interface between the boat harbour project and the wider community.”
“It’s valuable to have a range of perspectives involved. There is a Terms of Reference document that describes the group’s operation. Our role includes update the group on project-related activities, to receive and respond to any complaints or concerns, to provide information on environmental performance, and to provide a venue for and administration of the meetings.”
The group will meet regularly for the duration of the project consent both while Te Rāhui is being constructed and once it is operational.
The first hui will take place from 3pm-5pm on Thursday 1 December and community members are invited to apply to participate by emailing info@terahui.nz
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The three groups being formed are:
Te Rāhui Herenga Waka Whakatāne Reference Group
This group will include a member from each of Te Rāhui Lands Trust, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa, Bay of Plenty Regional Council Toi Moana, Whakatāne District Council and Department of Conservation. This group will meet regularly for the duration of the consent term in order to receive, review and provide feedback on the project in detail.
Tangata Whenua Liaison Group
Representatives from at least ten Iwi will hold regular formal meetings to facilitate ongoing engagement and information sharing between the Tangata Whenua Liaison Group and the consent holder. It will consider project results and relevant issues raised by tangata whenua.
Community Liaison Group
This group is a forum to facilitate communication and dialogue between the consent holder and the community on issues concerning the development and operation of the boat harbour. Members can include members of groups involved in the submission process such as community and environmental groups, watersports clubs, and others. They will meet regularly for the duration of the project consent. If you are interested in being part of this group, please complete this form.