Media Statement: Update on Northport Expansion and PTITB Involvement

Patuharakeke Te Iwi Trust Board (PTITB) acknowledges the recent decision by the Environment Court to grant consents for Northport’s expansion at Poupouwhenua, Marsden Point.

PTITB represents an intergenerational journey of environmental and cultural protection against political influences and large development that effects the shape and character of our Taiao and community. Through the consent process, PTITB and others raised significant concerns during the hearing held at Takahiwai Marae, around the cultural impacts and loss of public access linked to the proposed development, which contributed in a large part to the original decision by the Hearing Panel to decline Northport’s application.

Northport subsequently appealed this decision to the Environment Court, and PTITB became an interested party in opposition to Northport’s appeal. Through the Environment Court process over the past year, PTITB and others, have engaged in separate mediation and ongoing dialogue with Northport in an effort to address these concerns. While that process was unfolding, the government passed the Fast Track Approvals Act 2024, which included Northport’s expansion as one of six nationally significant projects in our rohe.

After a range of considerations, PTITB made the difficult decision to withdraw from the Environment Court process. This decision was not made lightly. It followed 8 years of engagement, research, and legal opposition.

While PTITB has been clear with Northport about retaining concerns over the potential cultural and ecological effects and loss of access to the takutai moana, PTITB acknowledges that there is an existing regionally significant port facility at the location which is not going away.

Importantly, withdrawing from the Environment Court process, does not mean we withdraw from our kaitiakitanga responsibilities. We have also had the opportunity to strengthen and clarify consent conditions and support updated conditions negotiated between Forest and Bird as well as Whangārei District Council and Northport - which provide greater protection for cultural values, ecology, public access, and recreation than those originally proposed.

We have also made considerable progress in elevating a genuine relationship with Northport. This evolving relationship creates space to continue addressing unresolved issues and to work towards ensuring restorative action, ongoing access and connection for our hapū and community to Whangārei Te Renga Paraoa.

PTITB remains firmly committed to getting tangible outcomes for the protection of our customary rights under Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and we will continue to pursue all avenues available to us to uphold these rights, such as through the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 and other pathways.

PTITB will be leading an internal engagement with whānau as a priority.

Please stay connected through this website our Facebook page for upcoming pānui and opportunities to engage: https://www.facebook.com/patuharakeketeiwitrust

ENDS