Key opens controversial marina 

Source: ONE NewsThe Prime Minister officially opens the controversial Whangamata marina

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The building of marinas along popular coastal areas in the Coromandel and Bay of Plenty is set to become easier.

The Prime Minister has given his support for future developments, while officially opening the controversial Whangamata marina.

The project had sparked a long-running community battle, but on Saturday half the town had gathered on the very ground that had been occupied by protesters just a few years earlier.

Environmental groups and local Maori have fought the 205-berth marina, built on a salt marsh that used to be home for dotterels and skinks. 

A former conservation minister nearly stopped it dead using statutory powers National has just repealed.

It took more than 17 years and more than $17 million to build the marina. Key says if the will and the money are there for other marinas, they will happen much sooner.

"I think it sends a very strong signal that New Zealand is a country for progress. We want to see development as long as it's done in the right way and this is a tremendous example of that. It's at one with the community and nature."

Not all agree with his views. Paul Shanks of the Surfbreak Protection Society berated the Prime Minister's visit.

"Here we have the Minister of Tourism (John Key) coming to sanctify something that's going to poison a major tourist asset," says Shanks.

Surfers from around the country say a perfect 10 wave is not the only thing threatened - the marina means more people will move there, increasing pollution into the waterways.

But the Marina Society says it will meet the council's environmental standards and bring the town other benefits.

Whangamata Marina Society spokesman Mick Kelly says it will help the real estate market and create jobs and will be positive for the community.