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November 26, 2025
Te Whatanui Leka Skipwith | its off to the High Court
Dale Husband
Posted On November 26, 2025
Download AudioThe Rotokākahi Board of Control took Rotorua Lakes Council to the High Court on Monday over the Tarawera Sewage Scheme.
A long running dispute in Rotorua is headed to the High Court.
In a press release Rotokākahi Board of Control (RBOC) has said it is taking its fight over the Tarawera Sewage Scheme to the High Court on Monday 1 December:
After years of being ignored, sidelined, and talked over, the Rotokākahi Board of Control (RBOC) is taking its fight over the Tarawera Sewage Scheme to the High Court on Monday 1 December. The Council’s continued refusal to honour genuine consultation with mana whenua has pushed this kaupapa out of the boardroom and into the courtroom.
Board spokesperson; Te Whatanui Leka Skipwith says the Board has had enough of back-room decision-making and last-minute legal games from the Council:
“We welcome our day in court – because we’ve had enough. Council has ignored consultation, disrespected the process, and pulled last-minute legal stunts whenever we pushed back. On 1 December, they’ll have to front. No more hiding behind rushed paperwork, closed-door deals or political convenience. This is a chance for mana whenua to finally challenge the Council on neutral ground – and to make it clear that we will always protect Rotokākahi, no matter who tries to silence us.”
For generations, Lake Rotokākahi has been protected by its kaitiaki – not exploited, not commercialised, not politicised. The Board says the Council’s pattern of disregarding proper consultation is not just disrespectful – it is a direct threat to indigenous decision-making and environmental protection.
On 1 December, RBOC will stand in the High Court not just for Rotokākahi, but for every iwi and hapū who has ever been forced to fight for a seat at the table in their own whenua.
The message from Rotokākahi is clear:
Consultation must be real. Legal obligations must be honoured. Mana whenua decision-making must be respected.
The Board is calling on whānau, hapū, iwi, environmental defenders, and allies to stand in solidarity and witness the case.
High Court Rotorua – Monday 1 December.
Māori communities around the Tarawera area say they want stronger guarantees that the long-delayed Tarawera Sewage Scheme will protect the mauri of their waterways and deliver long-term environmental benefits for whānau.
The scheme – designed to upgrade wastewater systems across the Tarawera catchment – has been years in planning, with iwi, councils, and local residents working to replace ageing septic systems and prevent contamination of the river, lakes, and groundwater.
For iwi including Tūhourangi, Ngāti Rangitihi, and Ngāti Awa, the health of the Tarawera River is not only an environmental issue but a cultural and spiritual responsibility. Generations have relied on the river for food gathering, ceremonies, and healing, and many are still battling the legacy of industrial pollution and poor infrastructure.
Local Māori say the scheme represents a long-overdue opportunity to restore the mana of the awa – but progress must be grounded in genuine partnership.
A sewage upgrade cannot be treated as just a technical project, one iwi representative said. It’s about safeguarding whakapapa, the health of our people, and the future of our river. We want to ensure the design, monitoring, and governance reflect Māori values and mātauranga.
Key concerns and priorities
While support for the project is strong, iwi leaders have highlighted several priority areas:
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Environmental protection: Ensuring treated wastewater meets high standards and does not further harm the river, wetlands, or groundwater.
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Mauri monitoring: Incorporating Māori indicators of water health, not just Western scientific measures.
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Affordability: Ensuring connection costs or targeted rates do not impose hardship on whānau, many of whom live on fixed or low incomes.
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Governance: Guaranteeing iwi representation in long-term management to ensure oversight and accountability.
Balancing growth and protection
Local councils say the new sewage scheme will reduce pollution risks from ageing septic tanks, support future housing needs, and ensure compliance with environmental standards.
But iwi say development must not come at the expense of environmental protection.
Māori have already seen what happens when decisions about Tarawera are made without us, one kaumātua said. This time, the river’s interests must come first.
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