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A Russian billionaire wooed local Ngatiwai Maori then went behind their backs and applied to the Northland Council to irrigate 60 thousand litres of water to keep his imported lawn green.
Any application before council for water take must seek iwi approval.
Russian billionaire Alexander Abranov owns luxury Helena Bay Lodge in Whangaruru which boasts a three Michelin Star Italian Resturant.
Some locals have accused the billionaire of 'going to lengths' to appease iwi before shutting them out on the decision to take water.
Abramov's New Zealand spokesperson Chris Seel says the Abramov family was 100 percent committed to supporting the community and boosting Northland's tourism.
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