Tahiti voice against floating island project

10:32 am on 1 February 2018

A French Polynesian assembly member Valentina Cross has spoken out against placing a planned floating island in the lagoon off her township.

A bird's eye view of the floating island project planned for Tahiti

A bird's eye view of the floating island project planned for Tahiti Photo: Supplied

This comes after confirmation from the government that its joint project with the US-based Seasteading Institute will be sited in the lagoon of Atimaono off the south of Tahiti.

Speaking at a news conference of her Tavini Huiraatira Party in preparation for the upcoming election, Ms Cross said the mayor of Teva i Uta, Tearii Alpha, who is also a minister, failed to consult anyone.

She said neither the local council, to which she belongs, nor the people in general were asked whether they agreed with the decision.

Ms Cross said she is against implanting an artificial platform out of steel and concrete in the lagoon.

She said the area has produced notable sports people in canoeing and surfing.

South side of Tahiti

South side of Tahiti Photo: Google Maps