Source: Environmental Protection Authority
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) welcomes the fine for the Far North Waters Alliance (FNWA) for illegally clearing vegetation within, or within a 10-metre setback of, a natural wetland.
On 5 August the Whangārei District Court fined the FNWA $42,250 after pleading guilty to a charge under the Resource Management Act.
The EPA initiated the charge, which relates to the clearing of approximately 0.35 hectares of indigenous vegetation (primarily kānuka and mānuka trees) in and around the Sweetwater Bore Wetlands, near Awanui in Northland, in August 2023.
The general surrounding area of the site contains regionally significant features including dune lakes, peat swamps and shrublands on dunes.
EPA Acting General Manager of Compliance, Monitoring and Enforcement, Brian Ruiterman, says the successful prosecution shows the importance of following the rules around protected areas, such as wetlands.
“Our natural wetlands are taonga that need to be protected. The Resource Management Act and planning frameworks make it very clear what is and isn’t allowed to happen in and around these natural resources.
“We welcome the guilty plea and the court’s decision and hope it serves as a reminder of the care needed when working in and around Aotearoa New Zealand’s sensitive environments.”
The FNWA also donated $25,000 to a charity for use in wider wetland restoration projects in the Far North District.
During sentencing, Judge K G Reid observed that the public would expect a high standard of care to be exercised by the water entity.
“The works may have been important, but so was ensuring that the commissioning work was appropriately authorised and that the environment was protected,” said Judge Reid.
Editor’s note:
There is also an enforcement order requiring the landowner to remediate the area. Read more about that here: Kaitaia wetland enforcement order | EPA (https://www.epa.govt.nz/industry-areas/compliance-monitoring-enforcement/enforcement-activities/kaitaia-wetland-enforcement-order/)