Rotorua’s Controversial Sewage Pipeline Heads Back to Court

The construction of a contentious sewerage pipeline near Lake Rotokākahi in New Zealand is returning to the High Court. The Rotokākahi Board of Control (RBOC) is challenging the Rotorua Lakes Council over the proposed Tarawera Sewage Scheme, which aims to link around 440 properties near Lake Tarawera to the public wastewater network. This legal action underscores ongoing tensions regarding local environmental concerns and community consultation.

The pipeline’s route includes a 1.4-kilometre section along Tarawera Road, adjacent to Lake Rotokākahi. This area is considered sacred, or wāhi tapu, by local iwi, as it contains the remains of ancestors buried following the 1886 Mount Tarawera eruption. The construction has faced significant delays due to protests, an occupation of the site, and multiple arrests for trespassing earlier this year.

In a statement to RNZ in February, Andrew Moraes, chief executive of the Rotorua Lakes Council, defended the scheme, stating that it would eliminate the necessity for septic tanks that pose a risk of leaking into the lake. “We have almost 20 kilometres of pipe throughout the district of similar type and construction that is installed a similar distance from our other lakes, and we’ve had no incidents of those pipes leaking in the history of this district,” he said.

Despite these assurances, RBOC spokesperson Te Whatanui Leka Skipwith criticized the council for failing to engage in meaningful consultation with iwi representatives. “The council has ignored consultation, disrespected the process, and pulled last-minute legal stunts whenever we pushed back,” Skipwith said. He expressed anticipation for the court hearing scheduled for December 1, 2025, stating, “This is a chance for mana whenua to finally challenge the council on neutral ground.”

The RBOC has previously attempted to halt the pipeline’s installation but was unsuccessful in the Environment Court. The upcoming High Court hearing represents an opportunity for the RBOC to assert its rights and demand accountability from local authorities regarding their legal obligations to consult with indigenous communities.

As the situation unfolds, the Rotorua Lakes Council has refrained from commenting, citing the ongoing legal proceedings. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for local governance and environmental stewardship in the Rotorua region.

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