The Maori trust planning to build a resort, coastal park and housing development at Mangawhai north of Auckland is confident it will gain consent for the project after drastically reducing the number of homes proposed from 1,400 to 180.
Te Arei Coastal Lands Trust, a joint venture between local iwi Te Uri o Hau and Queenstown developer Land Trust, is applying for a third time to the Rodney District Council for a zoning change.
Previous applications were declined in the face of local opposition.
Te Uri o Hau chairman Russell Kemp said 180 houses on a large area of land is not a lot, and he is optimistic the trust will gain consent this time.
He said the five years the project has taken so far is costing the trust money.
Mr Kemp says the park will provide a facility for people to camp, walk, ride horses and trail bikes while the housing will generate income.
