Post by Kiwi Frontline on Jul 24, 2018 18:02:57 GMT 12
HOKIANGA RESIDENTS FEAR IMPACT OF KUPE CULTURAL CENTRE
Hokianga residents riled about the impact of a $7.25 million cultural centre on their small seaside towns have dubbed it a 'Maori Disneyland.'
More than 200 residents attended two meetings on July 17, at Pakanae Marae and Opononi Hall, after Stuff reported residents' concerns that Opononi and Omapere won't cope with an influx of visitors flocking to see the Manea Footprints of Kupe cultural and education centre.
The centre will celebrate Kupe's voyage to Hokianga and showcase the area's rich Maori heritage.
Residents are worried about the impact on local infrastructure, including increased traffic, parking problems and environmental impacts on the Hokianga Harbour, and say there has been no public consultation.
The Manea project is being managed by Far North Holdings, on behalf of Te Hua O Te Kawariki Trust, who initiated the project in 2005.
It received $4.6 million from the Government's provincial growth fund in February.
Up to 35,000 visitors are forecast in the first year, increasing to more than 60,000 in year five, according to the resource consent application, which was approved by Far North District Council in March.....
www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/northland/105683725/hokianga-residents-fear-impact-of-kupe-cultural-centre
Hokianga residents riled about the impact of a $7.25 million cultural centre on their small seaside towns have dubbed it a 'Maori Disneyland.'
More than 200 residents attended two meetings on July 17, at Pakanae Marae and Opononi Hall, after Stuff reported residents' concerns that Opononi and Omapere won't cope with an influx of visitors flocking to see the Manea Footprints of Kupe cultural and education centre.
The centre will celebrate Kupe's voyage to Hokianga and showcase the area's rich Maori heritage.
Residents are worried about the impact on local infrastructure, including increased traffic, parking problems and environmental impacts on the Hokianga Harbour, and say there has been no public consultation.
The Manea project is being managed by Far North Holdings, on behalf of Te Hua O Te Kawariki Trust, who initiated the project in 2005.
It received $4.6 million from the Government's provincial growth fund in February.
Up to 35,000 visitors are forecast in the first year, increasing to more than 60,000 in year five, according to the resource consent application, which was approved by Far North District Council in March.....
www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/northland/105683725/hokianga-residents-fear-impact-of-kupe-cultural-centre