‘There will be a death’ – contentious boat ramp project scrutinised

The proposed Māpua boat ramp is being scrutinised at a hearing which will determine if the project will get the go-ahead or keel over.

The application would see a new ramp constructed south of the wharf, occupying the southern-most section of the Waterfront Park.

However, the plans have proven contentious in the seaside village with concerns about construction taking place on what was once described as New Zealand’s most contaminated site, alongside other environmental and social concerns.

The hearing began on Monday with the Māpua Community Boat Ramp Trust presenting its evidence to the two independent commissioners who will make the final decision on the project.

Experts supporting the trust presented a picture of a boat ramp that would typically have a “less than minor” impact on the community and environment, and that the few notable issues could be adequately mitigated.

Nigel McFadden, solicitor for the trust, acknowledged the “difficulties” in dealing with the historic contaminated site, but said that a “pretty detailed” investigation had been conducted for the project.

Contamination expert Gareth Oddy agreed, concluding his presentation by determining that the development would not have adverse effects on the environment or residents that were “more than minor”, provided best practice measures were followed.

The Waterfront Park was sold as the most appropriate place to construct the boat ramp, given the area’s already extensive modification which limited any ecological impacts.

When compared to other boat ramps in the region, the proposed ramp’s traffic and parking management was hailed as “notably better”, and its planned signage would take safety to a “new level”.

Further impacts on the visual aesthetic of the area, as well as sound and light disturbance for neighbours, could be resolved with noise control fences and plantings, supporting experts claimed.

It was added that shifting the village’s primary boat launch location from the informal and “dangerous” Grossi Point would improve safety for water users in the area.

“For years, I’ve been going in there and I just see more and more boats. There will be a death there at some point if the continued use goes on there,” said project coordinator Trevor Marshall.

“Iwi have interest in there, and also it’s traditionally been used as a swimming area for families. It was never really designed for a boat-launching facility,” added trust chairman Andrew Butler.

Iwi interest in the proposal was strong, with Te Ātiawa o Te Waka a Maui Trust opposing the development, describing the entirety of Māpua as “a culturally significant site”.

The proposal’s location was an explicit concern for the trust as kōiwi (human remains) that was unearthed during the construction of the Waterfront Park had been reinterred in the approximate area.

“If the proposed boat ramp is approved, the increased vehicular traffic will desecrate this site,” said kaitohutohu taiao (environmental advisor) Renee Love.

Neutral submitter Te Runanga o te Ngāti Rārua also called for provisions for a cultural monitor to be present during the project’s works, should it proceed, to ensure tikanga (correct procedure) was upheld.

Sally Gepp, counsel for Friends of Māpua Waterfront – the principal opponent of the proposal, framed the application as lacking in adequate information to support its claims that effects of the boat ramp would be negligible or appropriately mitigated.

When referring specifically to ecological concerns for tōrea pango/variable oystercatchers, Gepp said the proposal “just really hasn’t been thought through”.

In addition to disputing evidence that suggested there would be minimal ecological impact, opponents also asserted that there remained risk of contaminants escaping a work site and that a boat ramp in the area was “contrary” to the safety of recreational water users.

“There’s too many safety issues at present,” said recreation expert Jenn Benden.

Maria Fillary, a member of the Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve Board which manages the beach’s incredibly popular boat ramp, also doubted the effectiveness of the traffic management plan for the Māpua ramp.

“At Kaiterieri, a long-term solution for peak summer traffic has not yet been achieved,” she said.

“I foresee the same issues occurring on a bigger scale [in Māpua].”

Wednesday is currently slated as the hearing’s final day and will allow time for additional opposing submitters before Tasman District Council’s reporting officers present, and the boat ramp trust gets its right of reply.

The two commissioners conducted a site visit on Monday evening.