Save Kākā Valley group formed to fight planned development

Wednesday, 8 July 2020

Many of the proposed 700 new lots would be up in the Atawhai hills, but groups are concerned at the health of the Maitai and Kākā Valleys which would also be affected by the development. (File photo)

A group has formed opposing a proposed 550 lot development in the Maitai's Kākā valley.

The group, Save the Maitai – Kākā Valley, had its inaugural meeting on Tuesday. Spokesman Tony Haddon said the 60 attendees were all concerned that the proposed development of potentially 550 lots would “destroy the Maitai’s natural ambience'.

He said the recent $1.7 million funding for Maitai restoration was “ironic”, as the development would “diminish the effectiveness of this important environmental restoration”.

He said a development of this size would likely result in around 2000 car trips per day through the Maitai Valley into Nile and Collingwood Sts, which would, along with the proposed suburb itself, “inevitably” affect the river's water quality.

Developers Andrew Spittal and Hemi Toia at the site of the proposed Maitahi-Bayview development in the hills above Nelson city. Video first published in July 2020.

* Developers work with Nelson City Council on 700-lot master plan

The development could see up to 700 lots in the Atawhai hills and in Kākā Valley, which critics say would put a “stain” on the recreational value of the area. (File photo)

* Heated debate over 700 home Maitai housing development**

Developers are working together to release sections on the Atawhai hills and in the Maitai Valley. Haddon said his group only opposed the Maitai side of the development.

“Hundreds of people flock to the valley every day to enjoy walking, bike riding, picnicking, family games and swimming. This development would stain those activities with noise and air pollution from extra vehicles and reduced water quality,” Haddon said.

Jacquetta Bell of river-health advocacy group Friends of the Maitai said more information and detailed reports were required to see what effect the development would have on the river and valley.

“Nelson City Council planning documents stated as recently as 2016 that there would be no residential development in the Maitai Valley … Council planners have since completely ignored this and are actively encouraging this subdivision project.”

River health advocacy group Friends of the Maitai said in a statement from spokeswoman Jacquetta Bell that it did not have a stand on the proposed subdivision but the group's “primary concern is for a clean, clear flowing Maitai River”.

“Our role is to keep a critical eye on all activities in the catchment, and to ensure all outcomes on the health of the river are positive.

“Should the development proceed we need assurance that the health of the river would not be compromised in any way from sediment, nutrients or stormwater runoff during the construction process and beyond.”

She said the Friends of the Maitai group were 'concerned at the lack of information” on aspects of the proposed development, and was calling for detailed impact reports on traffic and roading infrastructure, the recreational amenity of the valley and river, and social effects on surrounding suburbs.

“While the developers have talked of eco-housing, there is no detail on their understanding of this. For example, would there be solar power, water-collection tanks, a range of housing options, shared green/garden areas, [or] policies on use of vehicles?”

She said given the level of public interest, the Friends of the Maitai believed that the development process needed to be publicly notified.

“We call on the Nelson City Council to ensure that the public have an opportunity for input.”