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The Horowhenua District Council is being challenged for alleged unconsented earthworks at Kowhai Park Recreational Reserve in Levin.
Vivienne Taueki, of Muaupoko hapu Ngati Tamarangi, in an affidavit to the Environment Court, said the pipeline construction at Queen Street Drain should be prohibited until the council has obtained resource consent and complied with statutes and regulations affecting sites of significance to Maori.
“The excavation of earth – and the laying of about 55 metres of large concrete drain pipes – is causing destruction, harm and modification all to accomplish discharge of stormwater and other liquids into Lake Horowhenua via the drain commonly known as the Queen Street Drain,” Taueki said.
Lake Horowhenua is recognised as one of the worst polluted lakes, and one of the lakes with the worst eutrophication in all of New Zealand, mainly caused by stormwater run-off. In line with this, the council is carrying out feasibility study options for stormwater discharge to Lake Horowhenua in its 20-year long-term plan being adopted on June 27.
Legal firm Buddle Finlay, which represents the council, meanwhile, said Taueki’s application would be opposed on the grounds it “seeks to hinder works that Horowhenua District Council wishes to carry out promptly.”
Moreover, the council’s Infrastructure Services project manager Gerard O’Neill said it has been confirmed that “any damming, diversion or discharge of water associated with the works is a permitted activity” – meaning no resource consent is required.
