Summary
In 2015, the Environment Court ruled on Whakatane District Council’s proposed Wastewater Management Plan at East Matata. In its ruling, the Court found that Te Mana o Te Wai means more than just the mauri of a waterbody and encapsulates the entire waterbody including its banks and beds. It was accepted that there is a relational aspect to te mana o te wai which is central to tāngata whenua values and their kaitiaki responsibilities. This evidence and taking into account all effects under s 171 of the RMA, and the cultural impact under s 104(1)(c), concluded that Lot 6A was not an appropriate site for the Treatment Plant and the LAF had potential indirect adverse effects which had to be addressed.
Suggested Citation:
Kauffman, Craig, Catherine Haas, Alex Putzer, Shrishtee Bajpai, Kelsey Leonard, Elizabeth Macpherson, Pamela Martin, Alessandro Pelizzon & Linda Sheehan. Eco Jurisprudence Monitor. V2. 2025. Distributed by the Eco Jurisprudence Monitor.https://ecojurisprudence.org/initiatives/sustainable-matata-v-bay-of-plenty-regional-council2015-nzenvc-90/.
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