Raukawa delighted with Appeal Court win on nitrate in Horowhenua waterways

Tiwana Tibble said: 'This result demonstrates that when iwi/Māori organisations work together we can achieve important outcomes that individually we may not have been able to get across the line.' Photo / APN

The Appeal Court decision protecting waterways and groundwater in Horowhenua can be a catalyst for new collaborative thinking, said the new Te Rūnanga o Raukawa general manager Tiwana Tibble.

He said the recent Court of Appeal decision regarding levels of nitrates and phosphates in Horowhenua waterways is an important step on the way to finding a balance between protection of the environment and strengthening of the local economy.

The decision handed down by the Court of Appeal in mid-December overturned an exemption for vegetable growers in Horowhenua that would have allowed levels of nitrate and phosphates in waterways to be higher than in other parts of the country.

Tibble said it was important for the joint litigants, Raukawa, the Muaūpoko Tribal Authority, and the Lake Horowhenua Trust, to demonstrate how seriously they take their roles in protecting the environment for everyone who lives in the area.

“We are ecstatic about the result and congratulate our co-litigants. Funding such legal action is not a simple commitment especially when facing the might of the Crown’s spending power.

“This result demonstrates that when iwi/Māori organisations work together we can achieve important outcomes that individually we may not have been able to get across the line.”

Tibble said the rūnanga represents 25 hapū from the Rangitikei River down to just north of Waikanae.

“We particularly acknowledge the special concerns of our central hapū, between Himatangi and Ōtaki that opposed the exemption.”

He said because of the size and reach of Raukawa the iwi also carries responsibility to work with local businesses and business groups to ensure the health of the local economy.

“There is always a balance needed. We are hopeful this Appeal Court decision can be seen as a starting point for future collaborative work with vegetable growers and local industries to see if we can work on solutions together.”