A new marae in New Plymouth has been given the all-clear after an investigation found no significant contamination.
Ngamotu Marae project coordinator Shaun Keenan. Photo: Laura Maxwell
Te Ātiawa hapū Ngāti Te Whiti plans to build a $6 million marae at Ngā Motu beach.
There hasn't been a marae in the city for more than 150 years.
The area was previously used for oil exploration and production, and it was later the location of a community of baches.
A Taranaki Regional Council investigation found no significant contamination from oil and gas activities, but some low-level asbestos residue from bach-building material.
The asbestos is a safety issue for workers during excavations, but it can be addressed.
Construction of the marae is due to begin mid-year.