Opponents of a proposed housing development on Mahia Peninsula in northern Hawke's Bay, say the issue has divided community.
A consents hearing in Wairoa has just finished considering an application by former All Black Murray Mexted and two business partners to subdivide land at Mahanga beach.
Joan Ropiha, who represents the Mahanga Marae trustees, says it has caused a major rift, with whanau fighting with each other, and believes the development should not go ahead.
But resource management planner Paul Thomas says the applicant has addressed the principal concerns of submitters. He says the development will have only minor effects on the environment.
The commissioners have reserved their decision.
