Shopping Center Maharepa

Maharepa Shopping Center Project (SOGIL / Wane Group)

The Wane Group plans to build a massive 13,800 m² commercial complex in Maharepa on a 51,000 m² plot that was previously fully forested and is located in a red-zone area for flooding and coastal submersion risks. The project would lead to major land artificialization, destroy one of the last large natural areas in the district, and create a direct danger for nearby residents during heavy rains or cyclonic swells.

Despite an explicit ban issued in 2022 by the Polynesian Competition Authority (APC) — which ruled that the project would seriously harm market competition in Moorea — the Wane Group still obtained a building permit. This permit presents numerous irregularities, including an incomplete file, an insufficient environmental impact study, no serious traffic assessment, and a lack of impartiality during review.

Following legal action by the Tāhei ‘Auti Ia Moorea Federation, the company EIMEO and two residents, the Administrative Court has already acknowledged a major irregularity and ordered the developer to correct the permit within four months, or risk having it annulled.

The Federation reiterates its strong opposition to this oversized project, which it considers dangerous for residents, harmful to the environment, and in violation of competition rules. It will continue to keep the public informed as the procedure moves forward.