EPA: Te Waikoropupū Springs hearing adjourned

The Special Tribunal hearing for a Water Conservation Order (WCO) application for Te Waikoropupū Springs has adjourned until late May or early June to hear final evidence and closing statements, says Environmental Protection Authority’s Nationally Significant Proposals Manager, Stephanie Frame.

“The five-person Special Tribunal has so far sat for ten days across three weeks, where 85 submitters and experts have appeared to give evidence.

“We know there’s a lot of interest in the WCO which attracted 2,003 submissions being provided to the EPA.

“Of the submissions, 1907 were in support of granting the order, 63 opposed the application with the remainder not specifying their view, being neutral or proposing changes to the scope of the order,” says Stephanie.

“The EPA’s role in the process is to support the Special Tribunal, and enable people who made a submission to speak at the hearing if they choose to.

“The final decision is made by the Special Tribunal, who provide a recommendation directly to the Minister for the Environment for consideration, after the hearing is completed.

“There is no set time limit for a Tribunal decision. Guidance requires a decision to be provided as soon as practical,” says Stephanie.

When they are finalised, the dates for the last day and a half of the hearing will be posted on the EPA website.

For all updates, and copies of any documents relating the application, including evidence, visit: https://www.epa.govt.nz/public-consultations/in-progress/te-waikoropupu-springs.

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