LIFESTYLER
March 14 2012
Kaipara
BNZ 2012 PARADE OF PIGS Pages 10–11
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Rahui directed against crest turbines A rahui has been placed upon the waters at the entrance to the Kaipara Harbour in opposition to plans for undersea power turbines, with trials approved by the Environment Court Hundreds of people arrived at Pouto last weekend to witness a ceremony in which the rahui was proclaimed aimed specifically at plans by Crest Energy for the staged installation of up to 200 tidal turbine power generators. Among the leaders of the gathering was activist Mikaera Miru, a member of the Kaipara Action Committee. “It was moving and wonderful to see Maori, Pakeha and some Pacific island groups there,” said the acting CEO of Te Uri O Hau, Deborah Harding. “Our kaumatua have placed this rahui on the waters against the activities of Crest. This does not apply to other customary activities, such as fishing and seafood gathering. It is the only action we are able to put in place against the power turbines of Crest that the government has left for us.” Te Uri O Hau has been the forefront in the fight against the turbine project, fulfilling its vow ‘to dog them every step of the way’. Ms Harding said after the Environment Court approved the trials: “This is not just a Te Uri O Hau cause, it unites us all — to spread the message against the turbines.” She said if the rahui is disregarded then “people take it on themselves, and for Crest, it’s up to them. If they do not respect it, be it in their own heads.” Northland Regional Council has been tasked with monitoring the environmental impact of the turbine project on a wide range of
Plays with a local flavour
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Kaipara supporting cancer relay marine wildlife such as sharks, rays, marine mammals and fish, including snapper, with the Kaipara the breeding ground for much of New Zealand’s snapper stocks. If fully implemented, it is estimated the Crest development could generate enough electricity to power the region from Albany to Cape Reinga. However, opponents say consumer cost estimates could be four times that of current power generation.
Rate increase still undecided
by Paul Campbell
Claims that Kaipara ratepayers could be facing an average rates rise of up to 42 per cent are premature and based on speculation, says the Kaipara District Council
“While council has been signalling for some time that there will be a significant increase in rates, it is still to come to a decision on what level it will put out for community consultation via the draft 2012 Long Term Plan,” said KDC corporate services manager, Barbara Ware. She was commenting on reports that
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the average rates in Kaipara could rise from $1,540 to $2,085 in 2012/2013 (a rise of 35 per cent) but, depending on how the rates are struck, some property owners could see a rate rise of 42 per cent or more. The information was contained in discussion documents listed on the council agenda presented at its meeting a week ago.
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A Ruawai entrepreneur
However, these were not discussed as part of the lead in to preparing the council’s draft Long Term Plan, scheduled for adoption at the end of the month, and simply received for further discussion this week. Kaipara Mayor, Neil Tiller, has already put the possible rate rise at 20 per cent. continued on page 3 . . .
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