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Protesters took to Aotea Square in downtown Auckland last month to present a 14,300-signature petition to Auckland Council opposing the proposed Dome Valley landfill. Pictured, from left, Sue Crockett (Fight the Tip), Ben Hita, Mook Hohneck (Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust) and Verne Rosieur (Ngāti Manuhiri).
Waste Management remains determined to proceed with a landfill in the Dome Valley, despite campaigners and local iwi calling for Auckland Council to halt the resource consent process.
Following a hikoi protest march in July, a 14,300-signature petition opposing the site of the landfill was presented to the Auckland Council Regulatory Committee last week – the committee responsible for consent hearings.
Kaumātua Mikaera Miru told crowds at the protest last month that if Waste Management was granted resource consent for the landfill, his hapū would occupy the land to prevent its construction.
Ngāti Manuhiri acting chief executive Nicola McDonald said that her iwi was calling for a halt to the resource consent application process.
“The overwhelming feeling of the community and mana whenua is that it shouldn’t happen,” she said.
“Let’s not waste ratepayers’ money on independent committees, especially in light of the recent rates increase. Aucklanders are saying ‘no’.”
Nevertheless, Fight the Tip campaigners are getting ready to present their views at the consent hearings currently scheduled for November.
“Unless of course Waste Management does the right thing and withdraw their application due to the fierce opposition their proposal has received,” says campaigner Michelle Carmichael.
“Based on the energy and commitment communicated by many at the hikoi, it is clear we will not stop at just the consent and hearings process. There will be further actions taken.”
Meanwhile, Waste Management refuses to acknowledge the rāhui placed on the Hoteo River, and by extension the proposed Dome Valley landfill site, as binding.
Spokeswoman Andrea Svendsen said Waste Management had attempted to engage with the hapū that declared the rāhui, but had been rebuffed.
“At the time the rāhui was placed on the site, in June 2019, we had been proactively consulting with multiple iwi including Ngāti Manuhiri and Ngāti Whātua,” she said.
“Prior to, and following the rāhui placed by Mikaera Miru, we have attempted several times to meet with him. He has not wished to meet with us. In the meantime, we have continued to engage, consult and meet with iwi representatives to discuss the project and talk through any concerns they may have.”
Ms Svendsen said Waste Management still believed Wayby Valley was the most appropriate site for the landfill.
“However, we respect the right of people to form their own opinion, and will continue to do everything we can to share information and address concerns.”
Waste Management says if consents are granted, construction could start in 2022 and receive waste between 2026 and 2028.
If the consent application hearings continue as planned, they will be held at the Warkworth Town Hall from November 9 to December 11.
