Disappointment over high court review of DOC land exchange

Hawke’s Bay Regional Investment Company Ltd (HBRIC) Chief Executive Andrew Newman says he’s disappointed that Forest & Bird has decided to seek a High Court review of the Department of Conservation Land Exchange agreement for the Ruataniwha Water Storage Scheme.

The Department of Conservation has agreed to exchange 22 hectares of conservation land from the 90,000 hectare Ruahine Forest Park. The 22 hectares will be flooded by the Ruataniwha Water Storage Scheme reservoir. In return 170 hectares of Smedley Station will be incorporated into the park. This is land HBRIC Ltd has bought specifically for this purpose, subject to the project proceeding.

Mr Newman says HBRIC Ltd believes DOC ran a very rigorous process, including public submissions and a public hearing on the proposed exchange.

He says after receiving confirmation of the land exchange earlier this month, HBRIC Ltd has moved forward with the project.

Mr Newman says HBRIC ltd will be seeking to get the matter heard under urgency.

ENDS

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