Plans for a NZ$20.4m (US$12.7, 10.5m euro, £7.3m) aquarium and educational centre in Wellington, New Zealand, have received the backing of the local government.

Wellington City Council approved the fiercely debated plans despite vehement opposition to the plans by a residents group called Save the Point.

The council’s greenlighted the construction of the Aquarium of New Zealand as well as the Wellington Marine Education Centre at Te Raekaihu on the south coast of the city.

The organisation behind the not-for-profit aquarium plans – the Wellington Marine Conservation Trust (WMCT) – said the proposed location was ideal to ensure the project’s long-term success and financial viability. It also dismissed claims that the scheme would have a detrimental effect on local wildlife and heritage.

A spokesperson for WMCT said: “Te Raekaihau is not listed as a site of significance to any Maori groups in the region. There are no significant natural or historical features on the site.”

Exhibits at the aquarium will include large sea-water galleries simulating the different habitats of the near and offshore waters of Cook Strait.

Each major habitat exhibit will have a main feature tank and several smaller focus displays highlighting some of the less obvious or special species living in the habitats.