February 01, 2022

Aotea protectors cry foul at Environment Court rush

Adam Gifford Posted On February 1, 2022

Photo: Radio Waatea Image Database.

Protect Aotea is back in court this week challenging the way the Environment Court is considering an application by Ports of Auckland to dump up to 2 million cubic metres of dredging sludge at the Cuvier dumpsite.

Spokesperson Kelly Klink says the application was non-notified, meaning tangata moana have been voiceless.

They intend to ask the high court whether the Environment Court has jurisdiction.

Ms Klink says the dredging disposal is in breach of the Crown’s treaty obligation to deal with Māori in the utmost good faith, and the Environment Court has compounded that breach by refusing to consider the cultural and other effects of the dumping.