21 Sep 2009

Strong Maori support for development, claims Clarkson

8:42 pm on 21 September 2009

Former Tauranga MP Bob Clarkson says there's strong local Maori support for a major development on the outskirts of the city.

Waatea News reports that Mr Clarkson has bought more than 200 hectares near Bethlehem, where he plans a multi-stage development starting with 42 luxury houses along the bank of the Wairoa river.

He says the project will require district plan changes, but Mr Clarkson hopes his offer to fund a Maori tourism venture, including waka tours and a centre for making and selling carvings, will be seen as a real benefit.

Mr Clarkson says the venture would provide an attraction for the many cruise ships that visit Tauranga.

But a Tauranga hapu Ngati Kahu is refusing to be pressured by Mr Clarkson.

Ngati Kahu manager Lou Gates says as a river-based hapu it could benefit from the tourism business, but it won't be rushed.

Mr Gates says Ngati Kahu needs to assess what the costs of the proposal are and it wants a full cultural impact assessment report.