The Government appears to have withdrawn the $45 million of funding approved for the proposed barge port at Wharekahika ('East Cape Marine Project'). Shane Jones squeezed this funding approval out of the taxpayer before he was booted out in 2020. The withdrawal may also reflect a growing lean away from poorly managed log harvest on highly erodible soils. The proposed barge port could reduce log truck use on SH35 but would destroy the peaceful environment of Wharekahika. It was opposed by many locals.

https://www.gisborneherald.co.nz/letter/death-knell-for-proposed-log-port-at-wharekahika

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