25 Sep 2012

Iwi members hold high hopes for hearings

8:41 pm on 25 September 2012

Some iwi in the Marlborough Sounds expect hearings to be held on a marae next week into a big salmon farm expansion will strengthen the case for opponents.

New Zealand King Salmon wants to expand by building nine more farms on top of its five existing operations.

The company's application is being heard by the Environmental Protection Authority, with hearings for the past month at the Civic Centre in Blenheim.

The expansion bid attracted 800 submissions in opposition and 400 in support.

Waikawa Marae chairperson Rita Powick says three days of hearings have been set down for the marae next week and the content of those submissions could enhance the case to halt the salmon company's plans.

She says the authority will get to hear the iwi's customary concerns in a context that supports their culture.