In the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, five kiwifruit orchardists have faced legal action for unauthorized water extraction, collectively surpassing 100 million litres. The Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council's enforcement stemmed from breaches over two seasons, with all parties admitting to the offences. Regulatory compliance manager, Matt Harrex, highlighted the critical role of resource consents in safeguarding the environment, expressing disappointment over the deliberate avoidance of consent application despite awareness.
The council has prioritized curbing illegal water use for a decade, granting over a thousand consents for water takes. Judge Kirkpatrick, in the Woodlands Orchards case, noted the region's escalating water demand and its impact on aquatic systems. Recent prosecutions have resulted in significant fines, with penalties reflecting the volume of water unlawfully extracted, underscoring the judiciary's stance on such environmental violations.
Source: rotoruanow.co.nz
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