Far North Holdings respond to request to cease works on Opua Headland (Puketiti)

Hello All

Below is the response from a meeting with Far North Holdings - not what we wanted to hear!  Its time for the Community to stand up and stop this. 

A community meeting is to be held on Sunday 8th March @ 7pm for those who can make it. 

Also today (26th February) Sarah Petersen, a Far North Holdings Director will be taking questions at the marina cafe:- https://www.facebook.com/FarNorthHoldings/photos/a.1602034836764864/2246837175617957/?type=3&theater&ifg=1 

Please contact Far North District Council, John Carter to voice your opinion.

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Letter from Bill Birnie (Chair of Far North Holdings):

Dear Mr Cooke,

At the Board meeting held on Monday 3 February the CE Andy Nock presented a summary of the discussion at the recent Love Opua meeting about our Kellet Street residential development project, and of a subsequent meeting in our offices with you and other members of your SOS group.

In addition, the Directors were provided with the e-mail correspondence on this matter that you have sent to the company.

The Board set aside a significant period of time to review the process that had been followed and understand what has changed since our original decision to press ahead with this project.

We understand the points you have made - clearly and persistently - and we are exceedingly grateful for your input. I'm afraid that our view remains unchanged, though, and we intend to press ahead with this project as we believe it delivers best possible value for the ratepayers of the entire District.

The development of the site for residential purposes reflects what has been historically on the site. Elements of the final design are being reviewed based on input from you and others but the project itself will proceed.

We have always recognised the need to incorporate social, community and environmental values in this project, Accordingly, the Board has asked management to proceed with engagement already planned with the community to establish the footpath link down through that area currently allocated as a reserve, and to install the play area on the marina front. These will connect the residents of Opua with the marina, play area and cycle trail.

I understand that this is not the decision you were hoping for and I do sympathise. Our Board and executive team frequently face the challenge of competing interests and we always do the very best we can for everyone concerned.

Yours sincerely

Bill Birnie, CNZM

CHAIRMAN