Whangamata Marina to go ahead

Whangamata people will mainly be celebrating tonight as David Benson-Pope has not over-turned the Environment Court decision in favour of the marina. Chris Carter did veto it, but was found by the High Court to have exceeded his powers. This is a fairly large slap in the face for him.

It’s still ridiculous though that it has taken 14 years and cost $1.5 million just to gain consent. National’s plans to remove the Ministerial power to over-turn the Environment Court is a step in the right decision.