A Waikato farming couple face fines of over $73,000 after draining an internationally recognised wetland to increase farm production.
William and Pauline Burr purchased a King Country farm in 2008, then proceeded to clear and drain the nearby Arapae Wetland, home to a threatened indigenous fish species.
Despite receiving prior advice from the Department of Conservation and the regional council about the wetland’s significance, they also excavated the Mangaparo Stream and put in culverts.
Judge Melanie Harland, who heard the case – brought by the Waikato Regional Council after a complaint from a member of the public – said the offending was “energetic”.
“Mr Burr was moving forward at a very fast pace and the impression I gained was that he was not stopping for anyone,” she said.
The Burrs will need to take part in the remediation of the wetland. Mr Burr faced the majority of the fine; his wife was convicted but not fined as Judge Harland thought this would “encourage [her] to take an active role in the management of the remediation rather than simply relying on her husband to deal with matters”
The local earthworks company involved in the works has also been fined over $21,000.
3 News