Council investigates ‘serious damage’ to three streams

Waikato Regional Council is urging landowners to check the rules before modifying waterways on their property, following reports of three instances of serious damage to streams in the past three weeks.

“Unlawful works in our natural waterways can cause real damage and attract hefty penalties,” warns Regional Compliance Manager Patrick Lynch.    

“People should be aware that penalties for breaching the RMA [Resource Management Act] are severe. Convictions can lead to extremely large fines for companies and individuals.” 

The council was made aware of what appears to be extensive damage to streams in rural locations near Cambridge, Mangakino and south of Raglan. 

“Each of these reports has triggered a formal investigation to understand what has happened and who is responsible,” says Mr Lynch. 

“It appears that three separate landowners have got into a digger, or engaged a contractor with a digger, and decided to shift or modify what were once natural streams.

“Illegal works like these can increase sediment discharges and reduced water quality – generally, they will cause erosion and instability of banks and riverbeds. 

“They often increase the risk of knock-on flooding upstream and downstream; and will almost certainly cause loss of aquatic habitat and impact on fish passage.

“Our message is pretty clear. If you are a landowner contemplating modifying watercourses, or you are a contractor who has been asked to do this, unless you are absolutely certain that you are lawfully entitled to do the works, please don’t!”   

If you are unsure, please reach out to Waikato Regional Council on 0800 800 401.