Media release
13 February 2013

Waiheke Bush Destruction Attracts Hefty Fine

An Auckland Council prosecution has resulted in the District Court imposing a $25,000 conviction fine for illegal earthworks and protected bush clearance on Waiheke Island.

Earthworks contractor Brian Saward was convicted after illegally undertaking earthworks and clearing 8610 m² of protected native bush and a gecko habitat area in the vicinity of Carson’s Rd on the island in late 2011. The illegal act was brought to the Council’s attention in January 2012.

Council enforcement officers ordered a halt to earthworks and conducted a full investigation into the destruction. Prosecution was pursued given the severity and amount of clearance undertaken and its environmental effects.

Heather Harris, Manager Resource Consents at Auckland Council said: “The action of the Council, and the decision of the Environment Court, illustrates the Council's commitment to protecting Auckland’s environment and the significance of the penalties that may result from illegal works.”

People wishing to undertake earthworks, or bush/tree works, on any site in Auckland Region are encouraged to contact the council's Resource Consents team (09 301 0101) prior to undertaking any work, to find out whether consent is required.

Ends

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Scoop Business: Bathurst Gets Nod For DoC Access To Denniston Mine

Conservation Minister Nick Smith has approved access over conservation estate land for Bathurst Resources to develop an open cast coal mine on the Denniston Plateau, above Westport, to the dismay of environmental opponents.

The timing for Smith’s move avoids Bathurst having to resubmit applications for access agreements under the revised Crown Minerals Act, which comes into force tomorrow and would have required public consultation.

The announcement lands in the middle of delicate negotiations between the company, environmental groups and other interested parties that could pave the way to a broader agreement on the Escarpment proposal, whose resource consents are still subject to court appeals. More>>