June 22 2021
• Farm & Recreational, Quads + Bikes • Quality ATV & Motorbike tyres • General Service to Full rebuild • Gst Registered
Kaipara’s Only Regional Newspaper | Kaipara owned and Operated
10,450 Copies DELIVERED FREE throughout the Kaipara
Phone Patrick Lumby: 027 201 8625
Landfill fight going to court u by Paul Campbell
Opponents of a newly approved landfill for Auckland domestic and industrial waste in the Dome Valley, seen as a pollution threat to the Kaipara Harbour, are taking their fight to the Environment Court, with an appeal going out to fund the case through a Givealittle webpage.
The power to protect
Coastguard North Kaipara is receiving a boost …
P3
People power pauses SNA mapping The Far North District Council, at the forefront …
P5
A literal tonne of support
The Helping Paws Charitable Trust has received a $4,000 funding grant …
P7
A series of planning meetings is underway involving Fight the Tip movement, other iwi organisations and Ngati Whatua, elected councillors, MPs and some of the 1,000 groups and individuals who objected at public hearings. It follows the hearing commissioners’ decision to give the tip application by Chinese-owned Waste Management Ltd the green light. Kaipara Mayor Jason Smith has a blunt reaction to the news. “Council voted unanimously to make a submission opposing the landfill. The wrong idea in the wrong place at the wrong time. It is certainly stink.” The Wayby Valley landfill is in a catchment area for the Hōteo River, which feeds into the Kaipara Harbour. Any breach could bring disaster to the marine environment. “That in itself should stop the project. Add to that the need for 700-plus rubbish trucks on State Highway One each day, and it makes a mockery of government plans to reduce vehicle emissions,” says FTT’s Sue Crockett. The commissioners’ decision has been attacked by iwi activist Mikaera Miru. “Those responsible need to be accountable,” he said. “Our declaration of a rāhui on the site is a most powerful weapon, and it is the core of our opposition going forward. It’s a disgrace that the commissioners agreed to approve, and Auckland Council experts’ approval
p Backing a move to the Environment Court are Wayby Valley Fight the Tip members Rosamund and Barry Rose
of the project paid no heed or consultation to iwi concerns. We are sick and tired of being marginalised 180 years after the Treaty of Waitangi was signed.” Mahurangi MP Chris Penk has now raised the issue of waste treatment across the country with Acting Minister of Conservation Dr Ayesha Verrall asking: “what, if anything, has the Labour-led government done since taking office to promote solutions for methods of waste disposal other than landfills … rather than
mere discussion based on fine intentions it seems …” FTT executive member Michelle Carmichael says the campaign “has exposed more issues than just the damaging effects of one landfill. We will take this to the Environment Court. The best way to help, for now, is to share, share, share, our Givealittle page for donations for court costs. Together we can stop this threat to the environment and waterways.” Visit givealittle.co.nz/ cause/fightthetip. ¢
• House Sites & Driveways • Subdivisions • Retaining Walls • Dams & Farm Maintenance • Civil & Forestry Infrastructure • Hydraulic Hose Repairs All Earthworks Enquiries to: 09 439 5838 Hydraulic Hose Repairs: 021 810 787 info@wilsonearthmoving.co.nz www.wilsonearthmoving.co.nz
With an extensive range of heavy earthmoving equipment to get the job done … we’ve got you covered!
Proudly servicing the wider Kaipara area for over 25 years
09 439 5838 47 Edward Street, Dargaville