Support for Aupōuri aquifer appeal over avocado growers' application

Northland avocado growers are seeking two million cubic metres of water a year. Photo / File

Aotearoa Water Action has told Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage it would fully support a Department of Conservation appeal against the consenting of an application by the Motutangi-Waiharara Water Users' Group to take more than two million cubic metres of water a year from the Aupōuri aquifer .

Independent Northland Regional Council commissioners last month granted the group of 17 avocado growers resource consents to collectively take 2,060,655 cubic metres of water annually across three 'aquifer management sub-units': Waiparera 1,164,325 cubic metres, Motutangi 566,960 and Houhora 329,370.

The largest single allocation of 418,000 cubic metres went to an applicant in the Motutangi zone. The group had sought to take almost 2.5 million cubic metres annually from a deep shell bed layer of the aquifer to irrigate their avocado orchards.

The applications were notified on a limited basis to more than 1000 owners/occupiers of adjacent properties in October last year, with 42 of 57 submissions opposing, eight supporting and seven neutral.

Opponents' concerns fell into the broad categories of the requested volume, its effect on existing bores, water quality, ecological issues, salt water intrusion, lack of consultation, inadequacy of assessment and monitoring, and cultural issues.

DoC has indicated that it may appeal, but has yet to announce a decision.

Noting that almost 75 per cent of submitters and more than 500 petitioners had opposed the application, AWA told the minister it would support an appeal given that a legal challenge would be financially prohibitive for those affected in the "economically depressed Far North," because of the potential effect on the Kaimaumau wetlands, and growing unease and frustration over local authorities facilitating the "industrial exploitation" of water.

Peter Richardson and Catherine Murupaenga-Ikenn's letter also referred to "the high-level, ubiquitous and compelling climate crisis imperative to take a precautionary approach to restoring and preserving life-supporting natural habitats, and to protect the human right to water."

They told the minister that AWA recognised "with profound distress" the systemic forces that appeared to have significant influence over decision-making by the Northland Regional Council and other authorities.

"We therefore look forward to this government's urgent implementation of structural change, such as meaningful Resource Management Act and Overseas Investment Act reform," they added.