27 Apr 2018

Fines for companies digging up Waikato streambed

1:18 pm on 27 April 2018

A dairy farm and an earthworks company have been fined more than $50,000 between them for digging in a Waikato stream.

A digger helps clear forestry debris in Marahau after slips and flash flooding from Cyclone Gita.

A digger. (file photo) Photo: RNZ / Tracy Neal

Waikato Regional Council brought the charges against Okawa Limited and contractors Greener Earthmoving Limited after a site inspection last June.

They did earthworks over a kilometre-long stretch of the Mangakaeo stream near Ōtorohanga, and caused significant environmental damage.

The council said the work was carried out under the pretence of cleaning farm drains.

Investigations manager Patrick Lynch said there were very clear restrictions around the fresh water stream and both parties should have known better.