Valuable wetlands 'ruined' by millionaire developer

Environment Waikato is investigating the alleged destruction of valuable wetland along the Awakino River in the North Taranaki Bight.

The investigation is under way into whether a newly developed pond, dam and earthworks covering a hectare on the northern bank of the Awakino River has breached the Resource Management Act.

"We are treating it quite seriously," Environment Waikato resource officer Colin Ferguson said.

The Department of Conservation had also been made aware of the damage, he said.

"Awakino is a really significant waterway in terms of whitebait habitat and natural fisheries."

Mr Ferguson had informed the German owner, Karl Reipen, by letter, that all work must be stopped.

"They've been sent a letter requesting them to stop works until we review it, but the majority of the work has been done. It was valuable wetland - it's not now, the whole lot's been dug out."

The owner, who potentially faced serious penalties, had not got back to him, Mr Ferguson said.

Mr Reipen could not be contacted yesterday.

Mr Ferguson said it appeared the excavation was on coastal reserve land.

An aerial map, taken in 1999 by the Waitomo District Council, shows the area as a natural wetland estuary. Council planning maps designate the area as a coastal marine area.

Locals told the newspaper that the area was an estuary which flooded during high tides.

Mr Ferguson said he was also looking into a cut made in a hillside which appeared not to have a resource consent.

The investigation started at the beginning of the month after the regional council received a public complaint. Once completed, Mr Ferguson's report and recommendations would go to the council's regulatory committee for acceptance and action.

Waitomo District councillor Ian Whittaker, of Mokau, said he had alerted Environment Waikato to the earthworks when they were first under way.

But it was too late by the time action was taken. "That was an important breeding area for whitebait and birdlife. Our native fishing is important to us."

Mr Whittaker said Mr Reipen, a multi-millionaire, had been doing some excellent development work on his land "and then he goes and does this".

- NZPA