Subdivision dream step closer to reality

at Split Apple which he could build on. He is hoping to begin building his 180 hectare coastal subdivision called Harakeke between Ruby Bay and Tasman Village this year on land that was previously farmland, but said there were a few obstacles he must tackle before he is given the green light.

He released plans for the subdivision in July and was surprised that it drew only limited negative feedback from the public.

‘‘I was expecting probably about four to five hundred submissions from people that didn’t like the subdivision – we had 47,’’ he said. A resource consent hearing will take place on April 11. The subdivision, which is being developed by Trent’s company Harakeke, would include about 130 residential sections, 55 apartments, commercial space, a village plaza, greenspace and 12ha of productive land. Trent estimated the subdivision would cost $150 million to develop. He said the subdivision would include a medical centre as well as residential housing and retailers that sold Nelson wines and beers.

‘‘It would be one of the links between Nelson and the Abel Tasman . . . this would be a hub of art, wines and breweries . . . we’re hoping to kind of showcase the products of the area through this centre.’’

He said the commercial area would be a place for the public to come and have a drink and access the beach. ‘‘There’s no beach access there at all at the moment.’’

Trent has bought portions of the land since his arrival in Nelson in 1999 and had planned the subdivision for 13 years.

‘‘It’s been my dream . . . the Global Financial Crisis slowed me down a little bit, so we waited until now to do it because the economy is better in New Zealand now,’’ he said. ‘‘That’s the only reason I’ve stalled it this long.’’ It would be ‘‘built for tourism,’’ he said.

Trent said most of the concerns raised in the submissions were regarding the proposed 25 years it would take to build the development. But he now believes he could complete it in 15 to 17 years.

After extensive tests he determined the soil is a good quality and would make building there easier. A 17-year-old has died after an alcohol-related incident on the West Coast.

Mitchell Heward, who was a twin, died after the incident at Lake Kaniere on Saturday.

‘‘He was found unconscious. Attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful and his death has been referred to the coroner,’’ a spokeswoman said.

A St John spokeswoman said emergency services were called to the lake near Hokitika at about 8.30pm following reports two intoxicated teenagers were unwell.

A 17-year-old girl suffering ‘‘extreme intoxication’’ was treated at Grey Base Hospital.

Tributes on a Facebook page set up described Mitchell as a ‘‘lovely kind young man’’.

‘‘Way too young to go mate, there’s no words to express how terribly sorry we are for your loss of life and for your family and friends,’’ his former rugby manager Jenny Keogan said.

Mitchell milked cows at Terry Sheridan’s farm at Kokatahi.

‘‘He was a real good kid,’’ Sheridan said. ‘‘He worked hard. He was a boy learning but he was thorough in what he was doing. He made a point in coming to see me which I was chuffed about.’’

Police investigations were continuing around who supplied the alcohol, and in what circumstances. ‘‘We’ve already established where the alcohol was purchased from and by who, however, we are now looking at the issue of how it has been supplied to underage drinkers,’’ Detective Senior Sergeant Kevin Tiernan, of Greymouth police, said.

The alcohol, including spirits, was bought legitimately from a number of Hokitika outlets.

The results of a post-mortem examination were also still being awaited.

Sergeant Russell Glue, of Hokitika Police, said the victim was part of a group of about nine people, some of whom were underage, who had been drinking at the lake.

Several people tried to help the teens before emergency personnel arrived, including local people at the lake and an off-duty doctor.