Farmer fed up with council ‘dragging' out investigation
Nigel Hewitson says a housing development has affected his poultry farm. PHOTO: NINA TAPU
Tisbury poultry farmer Nigel Hewitson is calling for faster action on a council investigation into the impact of a nearby housing development, which he says has caused significant distress to his 5000 hens and harmed his farm's income.
Mr Hewitson, who first raised his concerns in November, expressed frustration the issue had not been resolved, and suggested the delay might be a tactic to avoid action.
The hens lost their appetite and their condition, egg production dropped and his income was down.
When he talked to a council staff member in November he was told the project complied with the Resource Management Act (RMA).
"It is quite ratshit how they're just dragging it all out," Mr Hewitson said.
He was disappointed the construction was not suspended immediately after he reported the problem.
If human remains or buried petrol tanks were found, the work would have stopped immediately, he said.
His situation should be a warning to other farmers about what could happen if changes proposed to the RMA that were fast-tracked went through.
"There are going to be other people who have the same issues."
The Invercargill City Council is investigating the matter.
Council consenting and environment group manager Jonathan Shaw is leading the investigation but has said it was too early to comment on the findings.
He promised to report back to Mr Hewitson in two weeks and prepare an update for the next community wellbeing and regulatory committee meeting.
At a meeting on Tuesday, committee chairman Darren Ludlow confirmed councillors received a verbal update on the investigation's progress.
However, he did not provide specifics, saying only that a full report would be made public at next month's meeting.
In his presentation to the council last month, Mr Hewitson said the noise from the development had disturbed his hens since September, and he was perplexed about how the consent could have been approved without considering the impact on his farm.
sandy.eggleston@odt.co.nz
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scoop
19 hours ago
- Scoop
New Voluntary Nature Credits Market Must Have Integrity
Forest & Bird cautiously welcomes today's government announcement on the development of a high integrity 'voluntary nature credits market' in Aotearoa New Zealand. Launched during the national Fieldays at Mystery Creek in Hamilton by Minister Hoggard, the news indicates the direction the Government is taking to establish a voluntary system that matches investors with conservation projects focused on protecting biodiversity and reducing carbon emissions. As participation in this market is completely voluntary, it is separate from compulsory emissions trading systems (ETS) requirements and RMA offset regulations, which are tied to regulatory consenting processes. 'While we see this as a useful step, and it will help support people and organisations who wish to voluntarily invest in biodiversity, we have reservations that it could become a vehicle for offsetting environmental harm,' says Richard Capie, Forest & Bird's, Group Manager, Conservation Advocacy and Policy. Forest & Bird's fear is that international and domestic investors – including developers, oil, mining, and primary industry interests – will engage in this market to cover up damage being caused to New Zealand's vulnerable ecosystems and wildlife. 'We're concerned they will use this market to 'greenwash' their public image,' says Mr Capie. 'We need to ensure that any external biodiversity incentive system has high integrity and is sustainable – that real, enduring outcomes for nature are achieved and it is not used to mask environmental damage. 'This new market should not undermine or replace government investment in nature, and it should bring additional resources to restore and protect our important flora and fauna. Ultimately, New Zealanders rightly expect government to look after our incredible wildlife and wild places and invest accordingly. Forest & Bird will be watching with interest to see how this develops.' The Ministry for the Environment says that the intention of the new system is not to create a platform to offset effects on the environment, instead, the government wants to create a system where individuals or organisations can voluntarily invest in nature. This would come with assurances that their investment adheres to recognised standards developed through this new system. There will be guiding principles in place, one of the key principles being that any project must deliver additional benefits to the environment. Nine pilot projects are already underway, all privately funded. However, the original intention of a voluntary nature credits market (or biodiversity credit system) was to sit alongside and compliment the National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity (NPSIB), so landowners could be appropriately compensated for looking after 'significant natural areas' (SNA's) on their property – supporting on-the-ground conservation, such as reforestation, wetland restoration, or planting native vegetation.
Otago Daily Times
a day ago
- Otago Daily Times
Farmer fed up with council ‘dragging' out investigation
Nigel Hewitson says a housing development has affected his poultry farm. PHOTO: NINA TAPU Tisbury poultry farmer Nigel Hewitson is calling for faster action on a council investigation into the impact of a nearby housing development, which he says has caused significant distress to his 5000 hens and harmed his farm's income. Mr Hewitson, who first raised his concerns in November, expressed frustration the issue had not been resolved, and suggested the delay might be a tactic to avoid action. The hens lost their appetite and their condition, egg production dropped and his income was down. When he talked to a council staff member in November he was told the project complied with the Resource Management Act (RMA). "It is quite ratshit how they're just dragging it all out," Mr Hewitson said. He was disappointed the construction was not suspended immediately after he reported the problem. If human remains or buried petrol tanks were found, the work would have stopped immediately, he said. His situation should be a warning to other farmers about what could happen if changes proposed to the RMA that were fast-tracked went through. "There are going to be other people who have the same issues." The Invercargill City Council is investigating the matter. Council consenting and environment group manager Jonathan Shaw is leading the investigation but has said it was too early to comment on the findings. He promised to report back to Mr Hewitson in two weeks and prepare an update for the next community wellbeing and regulatory committee meeting. At a meeting on Tuesday, committee chairman Darren Ludlow confirmed councillors received a verbal update on the investigation's progress. However, he did not provide specifics, saying only that a full report would be made public at next month's meeting. In his presentation to the council last month, Mr Hewitson said the noise from the development had disturbed his hens since September, and he was perplexed about how the consent could have been approved without considering the impact on his farm.
Otago Daily Times
6 days ago
- Otago Daily Times
Project claims national awards
Receiving two awards for Balclutha's new TPOMA hub at the New Zealand Commercial Project Awards in Auckland recently are project members, from left, Richard Kerr, Ross Pringle, Richard Johnson, Natasha Munro, Amber Buxton and Dale Anderson. PHOTO: SUPPLIED A major South Otago project has been recognised with a brace of national building awards, thanks to "innovation and community spirit". Te Pou O Mata-Au Clutha District War Memorial & Community Centre (TPOMA) took top honours at the 2025 New Zealand Commercial Project Awards in Auckland recently, winning gold and being crowned the national overall winner in the civic category. The awards, which celebrate excellence in commercial construction across New Zealand, recognised the Balclutha hub for its "outstanding design, sustainability, and community impact". Judges praised the project for its thoughtful integration of public needs, architectural innovation and collaborative execution. The $25 million facility was completed in 2023 by Milton-based firm Calder Stewart, making it a whole-community project, Calder Stewart Otago regional manager Richard Johnson said. "This award is not just a win for the project team, it's a win for the entire community. "It shows what's possible when we come together with a shared purpose and a commitment to excellence." Designed as a "vibrant" gathering place for residents of all ages, the hub brought together essential services, flexible event spaces, and sustainable design features under one roof, Mr Johnson said. "Its success is a testament to the vision of the project team, including architects, engineers, contractors, and community stakeholders who worked closely to deliver a space that truly reflects the values and aspirations of the local community. "This recognition places Calder Stewart firmly on the map as a leader in community-focused development and sets a new benchmark for civic projects nationwide." The civic category award celebrates projects that demonstrate "exceptional public value". Judges said TPOMA stood out among a competitive field for its values of long-term adaptability, environmental responsibility, and inclusive design.
