Ponui mussel farm proposal
DECISION: APPROVED
Introduction
On 14 March 2019 Ponui Aquaculture Ltd applied to the Auckland Council for resource consent. The consent was to establish and maintain a mussel farm off the eastern coast of Ponui Island, Firth of Thames in the Hauraki Gulf.
Auckland Council considered the application and requested more information from the applicants under section 92 of the Resource Management Act.
The Auckland Council then consulted with the public, closing submissions on 13 December 2019.
On 24 May 2021 Fisheries New Zealand advised that no judicial proceedings had been filed against the aquaculture decision to approve the consent application. So the decision by the Director-General to approve the application was confirmed.
Submission
The New Zealand Sport Fishing Council submitted in opposition to the application for resource consent by Ponui Aquaculture Ltd.
The NZ Sport Fishing Council, in conjunction with its affected clubs in the Hauraki Gulf, has concerns around safe navigation, increased pollution and occupation of marine space and the loss of amenity value for locals.
Related information
What follows is a summary of the relevant available documents and timeline of events. Most recent activity is at the top of the list.
2021
MPI Decision
Ponui. D-G approval. 24 May 2021.
Fisheries New Zealand advise that no judicial proceedings had been filed against the aquaculture decision for the coastal permit. The Director-General’s decision to approve the consent application by Ponui Aquaculture Ltd is confirmed.
Ponui. Decision report. MPI. 31 Mar 2021
MPI decision report setting out the reasons for approving the mussel farm off Ponui Island. Report summarises the effects on existing recreational, Māori customary and commercial interests will not be unduly affected. MPI. 31 March 2021
2020
Decision
Decision advice letter. Auckland Council. 9 Sep 2020
Auckland Council letter advising submitters the Ponui mussel farm application has been approved, with conditions. 9 September 2020.
Resource consent decision. Auckland Council. 28 Aug 2020
Auckland Council decision document detailing approval of the proposed mussel farm off Ponui Island, Firth of Thames. 28 August 2020.
Notices
Hui panui, invitation. Umupuia marae. 10 July 2020
Hui panui, invitation to Umupuia marae to discuss the area under review for a mussel farm. Ngai Tai ki Tamaki Trust and marine farmer Peter Bull have applied for resource consent from Auckland Council to establish a mussel farm off Ponui Island, Waitemata Harbour. This hui is for Commissioners, Council staff and submitters to better understand the context of the application. Panui from Umupuia marae trustees. Hui on 3 August 2020, 2pm. Invitation received 10 July 2020.
2019
Submission
Submission. NZSFC. 10 Dec 2019
Submission opposing the application for resource consent to establish and operate a new mussel farm approximately 3.6km off the eastern side of Ponui Island, within the Firth of Thames. Submission by the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council. Concerns for safe navigation, increased pollution and occupation, and in support of locals.
Proposal
Application. Ponui Aquaculture Ltd. 14 Mar 2019
Application for a coastal permit resource consent to construct, operate and maintain a marine farm approx 3.6km from the eastern side of Ponui Island, Firth of Thames. Ponui Aquaculture Ltd. 14 March 2019
Appendices. Ponui Aquaculture Ltd. 14 Mar 2019
Appendices to resource consent application for resource consent, from Ponui Aquaculture Ltd. 14 March 2019.
Ecological report. 4SIGHT. January 2019
Ecological assessment of the proposed mussel farm site off Ponui Island, Firth of Thames. Report by 4SIGHT Consulting, for the applicants. January 2019.
Landscape report. Hudson Assoc. Nov 2019
Assessment of the landscape and natural character, and visual effects of the proposed Ponui mussel farm. Report by Hudson Associates for the applicant. November 2019.
Response to s92 requests. Applicants. 17 July 2019
Ponui. Document and appendices in response to requests for further information under s92 of the RMA, in relation to the proposed mussel farm off the eastern coast of Ponui Island, Firth of Thames. Ponui Aquaculture Ltd. 17 July 2019.
Potential effects on surf breaks. MetOcean. 8 July 2019
Potential effects of mussel farms on surf breaks, in relation to the resource consent application for a mussel farm off the eastern coast of Ponui Island, Firth of Thames. MetOcean Solutions report for applicants, Ponui Aquaculture Ltd. 8 July 2019
Science queries response. 4SIGHT. 29 May 2019
Report in response to s92 queries relating to the effects of the proposed Ponui mussel farm on the ecology and water quality. 4SIGHT Consulting for applicants Ponui Aquaculture Ltd. 29 May 2019.
Whale sightings map. 4SIGHT. 29 May 2019
Ponui. Map from report appendices showing marine mammal sightings in the applicant area. 4SIGHT for applicants Ponui Aquaculture Ltd. 29 May 2019