Latest news with #EnvironmentCourt
NZ Herald
a day ago
- Business
- NZ Herald
Māori trust loses bid for lapse of Carrington Estate consents in Far North
Carrington Resort on Karikari Peninsula was originally developed in the early 2000s by American businessman Paul Kelly. A Māori trust has failed to persuade a court that resource consents granted 20 years ago for a luxury resort in the Far North should be declared lapsed. If the Environment Court had granted Haititaimarangai Marae Kaitiaki Trust's (HMKT) application for the declaration, Carrington Estate would need new consents to
Scoop
7 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
Rūnanga Appeals Canterbury Water Rehab Project Consent
Article – Jonathan Leask – Local Democracy Reporter Rnanga are appealing the consent approval for a Mid Canterbury water rehabilitation project to the Environment Court claiming the independent commisioners got it wrong. Local rūnanga are appealing the consent approval for the expansion of a significant Mid Canterbury water rehabilitation project, as they fear the move will put added pressure on the Rangitata River. However, the trust behind the environmental project says the decision to appeal 'is a kick in the guts' for the district. Commissioners granted resource consents to Rangitata Diversion Race Management and Hekeao Hinds Enhancement Trust on April 30 to expand the groundwater rehabilitation project. Te Rūnanga O Arowhenua, which had opposed the consent application, filed its appeal to the Environment Court on May 21. The consents are to source water from the Rangitata Diversion Race to operate water aquifer and recharge sites at 37 locations, 15 existing and 22 new sites. The aquifer sites contain infiltration basins, which act like big leaky ponds. The basins are filled with high-quality water that seeps down and recharges the groundwater. In the consent decision, the independent panel stated the consent applications were only about what RDRML's existing allocation could be used for. 'There is no take application before us,' the consent decision stated. Te Rūnanga o Arowhenua argued that the panel got that aspect of the decision, and some other factors, wrong. Upoko (head) Tewera King said Arowhenua 'do not agree with the concept of taking water from one water body, and using it, in the way that has been proposed here, to improve unhealthy water'. 'It is not addressing the fundamental problem of why water is unhealthy in the first place. 'We believe the decision we are appealing would result in an increased actual take of water from the Rangitata River in circumstances where the river is already over-allocated. 'It also further diminishes the effectiveness of the Rangitata Water Conservation Order to protect outstanding characteristics of the river that are highly valued by Kāti Huirapa (hapū of Ngāi Tahu). 'We demand long-term thinking that provides for intergenerational prosperity and resilience.' Arowhenua wants the decision overturned and the application to be declined. Hekeao Hinds Enhancement Trust chairperson Peter Lowe said he was disappointed by the appeal. The environmental enhancement project had been set up by an inclusive, collaborative process, which included Arowhenua, he said. 'Its proven track record of positive environmental gains to biodiversity and water bodies was recognised by the independent commissioners in granting consents to expand the project,' Lowe said. 'To have this decision appealed is a kick in the guts for our district, the collaborative design process, and not least our environment and biodiversity.' Arowhenua had supported the initial water enhancement project starting in 2016 but has opposed the planned expansion of the project. The appeal comes at the same time that Ngāi Tahu's High Court case against the Crown to get a declaration that the tribe has legal rights over freshwater in its territory. Ngāi Tahu representatives are attempting to get real engagement on designing a better way to manage lakes, rivers and waterways that are becoming increasingly polluted, according to industry body Water NZ. Frustration at 'long, expensive' process The consents were initially lodged in 2022 and approved by the independent commissioners in April. Hekeao Hinds Enhancement Trust now faces potentially another year before it can get the expansion up and running, with the environment losing out, Lowe said. Lowe was scathing of ECan's consent process when providing an update to the Ashburton Water Zone Committee on Tuesday. 'They have put us through an extremely long, expensive, and torturous process. 'I think they need to hang their heads in shame to what they have done to this community.' The consenting process has cost the trust almost $600,000 so far. The Trust's sole funding source is from ECan, through the Targeted Hinds Regional Environmental Infrastructure Rate. That is causing community frustration as the service they are being rated for isn't being met due to the ongoing consent process, and subsequent appeal, Lowe said Water and land manager Pim De Monch said ECan continue monitoring the funding to ensure it's being used for its intended purpose. 'We appreciate the Trust's environmental infrastructure work programme is complex and long-term, and it takes time to be able to scope, consent, and deliver it.' ECan regulatory Implementation general manager Paul Hulse said the new resource consents will not proceed until any appeals to the Environment Court are resolved. 'HHWET can continue operating under their existing consents in the meantime.'
Scoop
7 days ago
- General
- Scoop
Environment Court Confirms 19 Outstanding Water Bodies In Hawke's Bay
Press Release – Hawkes Bay Regional Council A water body that is classified as outstanding holds a cultural, spiritual, recreational, landscape, natural form and character, or ecological values that are conspicuous, eminent, or remarkable within Hawkes Bay. The Environment Court has confirmed that 19 of Hawke's Bay's water bodies meet the high threshold to be classified as 'outstanding', following appeals on Proposed Plan Change 7 (Outstanding Water Bodies) to the Hawke's Bay Regional Resource Management Plan. This outcome concludes the plan change process and ensures that the region's most exceptional water bodies – including aquifers, lakes, wetlands, rivers and estuaries – will receive the highest level of protection moving forward. A water body that is classified as 'outstanding' holds a cultural, spiritual, recreational, landscape, natural form and character, or ecological values that are conspicuous, eminent, or remarkable within Hawke's Bay. Hawke's Bay Regional Council Group Manager Policy & Regulation Katrina Brunton says, 'These are exceptional places. They stand out as the best of the best, and this decision confirms they'll be recognised and safeguarded for future generations with the health and wellbeing of these water bodies prioritised.' 'While not every water body has been classified as outstanding, many others are highly valued by local communities and tāngata whenua. We remain committed to improving the health and mauri of all water bodies across Hawke's Bay.' List of Outstanding Water Bodies in Hawke's Bay Outstanding water body Outstanding values Heretaunga Plains Aquifer System Cultural or spiritual values (whakapapa o te wai, wāhi taonga, wairua, mauri) Lake Poukawa and Pekapeka Swamp Cultural or spiritual values; Ecology (habitat for aquatic native birds) Lakes Rotoroa and Rototuna (the Kaweka Lakes) Natural character (Lake Rotoroa and Lake Rototuna) Habitat for indigenous aquatic plant community (Lake Rototuna); Habitat for native fish community (Lake Rotoroa) Lake Tūtira (including Lake Waikōpiro) Cultural or spiritual values Lake Waikaremoana Ecology, specifically habitat for aquatic native plant communities; Landscape (wild and scenic) values; Natural character; Recreation (central focus of a Great Walk) Lake Whakakī – Te Paeroa Lagoon – Wairau Lagoon and Wetlands Ecology (habitat for high natural diversity of aquatic native birds) Lake Whatumā Cultural or spiritual values; Ecology (habitat for aquatic native birds, particularly Australasian bittern) Mangahouanga Stream Geology (presence of dinosaur fossils) The Mohaka River upstream of Willow Flat Natural character; Landscape (wild and scenic) values; Recreation, including trout angling, kayaking and rafting; Trout fishery (Mohaka River mainstem and in the tributaries upstream of State Highway 5 bridge) Ngamatea East Swamp Natural character; Ecology (habitat for indigenous plant populations Ngaruroro River & Waitangi Estuary Upstream of the Whanawhana cableway Natural character; Landscape (wild and scenic) values; Rainbow trout habitat; Recreation (trout angling, whitewater rafting, kayaking); Habitat for native aquatic birds (particularly whio) Downstream of the Whanawhana cableway Habitat for native aquatic birds (including banded dotterel, black fronted dotterel) Downstream of the Whanawhana cableway to Fernhill Natural form and character (braided river) Waitangi Estuary Cultural or spiritual values including wāhi taonga, mauri Ruataniwha Plains Aquifer System Cultural or spiritual values (including whakapapa o te wai) Taruarau River Natural character, especially the gorge; Recreation (whitewater rafting and kayaking) Pōrangahau River and Estuary downstream of the Beach Road Bridge Cultural or spiritual values; Ecology (habitat for native aquatic birds) Te Hoe River Landscape (wild and scenic) values; Habitat for aquatic native birds (particularly whio) Te Karamū River Cultural or spiritual values including wāhi taonga, whakapapa o te wai, nohoanga/pāhi Te Whanganui-a-Orotū (Ahuriri Estuary) Cultural or spiritual values including wāhi taonga; Aquatic bird habitat; Native fish habitat Tukituki River downstream of SH50 bridge to the sea, including the estuary Cultural or spiritual values including wāhi taonga for the estuary Ecology (habitat for native aquatic birds, particularly in the lower river) Mainstem of the Tūtaekurī River upstream of the SH50 Bridge Cultural or spiritual values
Scoop
7 days ago
- General
- Scoop
Environment Court Confirms 19 Outstanding Water Bodies In Hawke's Bay
The Environment Court has confirmed that 19 of Hawke's Bay's water bodies meet the high threshold to be classified as 'outstanding', following appeals on Proposed Plan Change 7 (Outstanding Water Bodies) to the Hawke's Bay Regional Resource Management Plan. This outcome concludes the plan change process and ensures that the region's most exceptional water bodies – including aquifers, lakes, wetlands, rivers and estuaries – will receive the highest level of protection moving forward. A water body that is classified as 'outstanding' holds a cultural, spiritual, recreational, landscape, natural form and character, or ecological values that are conspicuous, eminent, or remarkable within Hawke's Bay. Hawke's Bay Regional Council Group Manager Policy & Regulation Katrina Brunton says, 'These are exceptional places. They stand out as the best of the best, and this decision confirms they'll be recognised and safeguarded for future generations with the health and wellbeing of these water bodies prioritised.' 'While not every water body has been classified as outstanding, many others are highly valued by local communities and tāngata whenua. We remain committed to improving the health and mauri of all water bodies across Hawke's Bay.' List of Outstanding Water Bodies in Hawke's Bay Outstanding water body Outstanding values Heretaunga Plains Aquifer System Cultural or spiritual values (whakapapa o te wai, wāhi taonga, wairua, mauri) Lake Poukawa and Pekapeka Swamp Cultural or spiritual values; Ecology (habitat for aquatic native birds) Lakes Rotoroa and Rototuna (the Kaweka Lakes) Natural character (Lake Rotoroa and Lake Rototuna) Habitat for indigenous aquatic plant community (Lake Rototuna); Habitat for native fish community (Lake Rotoroa) Lake Tūtira (including Lake Waikōpiro) Cultural or spiritual values Lake Waikaremoana Ecology, specifically habitat for aquatic native plant communities; Landscape (wild and scenic) values; Natural character; Recreation (central focus of a Great Walk) Lake Whakakī – Te Paeroa Lagoon – Wairau Lagoon and Wetlands Ecology (habitat for high natural diversity of aquatic native birds) Lake Whatumā Cultural or spiritual values; Ecology (habitat for aquatic native birds, particularly Australasian bittern) Mangahouanga Stream Geology (presence of dinosaur fossils) The Mohaka River upstream of Willow Flat Natural character; Landscape (wild and scenic) values; Recreation, including trout angling, kayaking and rafting; Trout fishery (Mohaka River mainstem and in the tributaries upstream of State Highway 5 bridge) Ngamatea East Swamp Natural character; Ecology (habitat for indigenous plant populations Ngaruroro River & Waitangi Estuary Upstream of the Whanawhana cableway Natural character; Landscape (wild and scenic) values; Rainbow trout habitat; Recreation (trout angling, whitewater rafting, kayaking); Habitat for native aquatic birds (particularly whio) Downstream of the Whanawhana cableway Habitat for native aquatic birds (including banded dotterel, black fronted dotterel) Downstream of the Whanawhana cableway to Fernhill Natural form and character (braided river) Waitangi Estuary Cultural or spiritual values including wāhi taonga, mauri Ruataniwha Plains Aquifer System Cultural or spiritual values (including whakapapa o te wai) Taruarau River Natural character, especially the gorge; Recreation (whitewater rafting and kayaking) Pōrangahau River and Estuary downstream of the Beach Road Bridge Cultural or spiritual values; Ecology (habitat for native aquatic birds) Te Hoe River Landscape (wild and scenic) values; Habitat for aquatic native birds (particularly whio) Te Karamū River Cultural or spiritual values including wāhi taonga, whakapapa o te wai, nohoanga/pāhi Te Whanganui-a-Orotū (Ahuriri Estuary) Cultural or spiritual values including wāhi taonga; Aquatic bird habitat; Native fish habitat Tukituki River downstream of SH50 bridge to the sea, including the estuary Cultural or spiritual values including wāhi taonga for the estuary Ecology (habitat for native aquatic birds, particularly in the lower river) Mainstem of the Tūtaekurī River upstream of the SH50 Bridge Cultural or spiritual values More Information
Scoop
29-05-2025
- General
- Scoop
Regional Council Considering Environment Court Interim Decision
Press Release – Waikato Regional Council Waikato Regional Council has 40 days to respond to an interim decision of the Environment Court on its groundbreaking plan to improve water quality in the Waikato and Waip rivers. Waikato Regional Council has 40 days to respond to an interim decision of the Environment Court on its groundbreaking plan to improve water quality in the Waikato and Waipā rivers. Late yesterday (28 May) the court released its 376-page interim decision, giving the council until 25 July to propose amendments that take into account feedback from parties who appealed the plan change. The court has indicated it will likely reconvene the hearing in September to consider the proposed amendments. Waikato Regional Council Chief Executive Chris McLay said: 'This is a complex plan change which has been in development for 12 years, and time will be needed for staff to digest the interim decision and address the 35 directions of the court. 'The policies and rules are still not operative, but this interim decision takes the plan change one step closer. For farmers and growers, it means there's no action required right now until a final determination by the court,' Mr McLay said. Proposed Waikato Regional Plan Change 1 is the bold first step in an 80-year journey to achieve rivers with improved water quality, that are safe for food gathering along their entire length and meet the requirements of Te Ture Whaimana o Te Awa o Waikato (Vision and Strategy for the Waikato River). It is a change to the Waikato Regional Plan, developed with the community, to allow for the management of nitrogen, phosphorus, sediment and bacteria in the Waikato and Waipā rivers. A decisions version of the proposed plan change that considered 1100 individual submissions, was notified in April 2020 and subsequently appealed by a number of parties. It is these appeals the Environment Court has made their interim decision on.
