A controversial project involving a Kiwi surfer-scientist and plans to excavate Fijian coral reef to create a surf wave has been canned following intense local opposition and an extensive Newsroom investigation.
A New Zealander behind a proposed plan to excavate 2.5 hectares of coral reef at a Fijian island group to improve surf waves told Newsroom the project has been called off after outspoken opposition from locals.
Dr Shaw Mead is a significant shareholder in the World Wave Project (WWP), a NZ-registered company that wanted to dig up sections of coral reefs off the remote Qamea and Taveuni Islands in Fiji in what it described as a “world leading project” to create “a world class wave”.
Newsroom conducted a months-long investigation into the project, published in December last year.
Now it has been announced the WWP are pulling out of Fiji following a heated consultation held this week on Taveuni between representatives from the WWP and traditional fishing rights owners, villagers, five tribal chiefs and other locals.
Fiji’s FBC News reported tensions grew high at the meeting, with locals calling for a halt to the project.