Charges laid for breaches of RMA

Queenstown Lakes District Council has laid charges against a Wanaka landowner for breaches of the Resource Management Act 1991, relating to the clearance of indigenous vegetation on a Mount Iron property earlier this year.

The charges were laid in the Queenstown District Court on 6 October, QLDC Regulatory Manager Lee Webster said. They relate to land owned by Allenby Farms Limited.

The Council investigated the clearance after receiving complaints from members of the public. Mr Webster said a significant amount of kanuka had been removed as part of land clearance within an area protected by rules relating to the preservation of significant natural areas and outstanding natural features.

The decision to lay charges followed a thorough investigation and took into account QLDC’s enforcement strategy and prosecution policy. “The Council has an important role to play in protecting and preserving the district’s unique environment,” Mr Webster said.

As this matter is now before the courts, the Council will not be making any further comment until the charges are heard.

ENDS

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