Dome Valley dump: Campaigners to appeal decision in Environment Court

Caroline Williams Reporter from Rodney Times

Kia ora koutou. Campaigners against the newly approved Dome Valley landfill are “gutted” with the decision, and are vowing to take their fight to the Environment Court.

The controversial landfill, to be built on 60 hectares of land in the Dome Valley on State Highway 1 between Warkworth and Wellsford, was granted resource consent on Monday, despite the proposal attracting 958 submissions from people against the landfill.

Michelle Carmichael of Fight the Tip said she was “very much gutted” to learn the landfill had been given the go-ahead.

She said the group felt angry and let down at the process, given the proposal was approved despite the stiff opposition.

“You wonder what else you can possibly do to change the outcome.”

In a statement, manahautū (CEO) o Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whātua Alan Riwaka said the iwi was “disappointed yet unsurprised” by the decision.

“Rest assured, the fight is not over and we will continue to advocate for the mana of our whānau, hapū and iwi in the protection of our whenua, waterways and Kaipara Harbour.”

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