The jury is still out on a multi-million dollar redevelopment of Otehei Bay.
Monday, January 17th 2005, 6:04PM
by The Landlord
A FNDC and NRC joint hearing took place in December. A decision has been deferred pending a site visit.
Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island is one of the most sheltered bays in the Bay of Islands and it has important Maori and European connections.
The development, proposed by Auckland based Zane Grey Resort Ltd, is not seen as large scale but it will open it up as a resort destination rather than a stopping point for cruises as it is at present.
The proposal, submitted as an 'integrated development', features 11 two story chalets, two single storey dwellings, four single story backpackers buildings to cater for 68 backpackers, a swimming pool and tennis court.
The existing ablution, kitchen and laundry facilities are to be replaced with new building.
The land is owned by the Crown for recreational purposes and leased to Zane Grey Resort Ltd.
The chalets are to be built by individual investors, on a license to occupy arrangement with Zane Grey Resort.
