A new consent for the periodic opening of an algae-plagued Southland lagoon has triggered polarising responses, and a possible appeal.
On Monday, a panel approved a resource consent application allowing the Waituna Lagoon to be opened to the sea at pre-determined trigger points.
High water levels and algae outbreaks have caused problems for the lagoon, which forms part of an internationally significant wetland southeast of Invercargill.
Joint applicants Environment Southland, Doc and Te Rūnanga o Awarua have welcomed the outcome, but locals are not as impressed.
Maarten Van Rossum is an executive member of Federated Farmers Southland and represented the Waituna Catchment Group at a July hearing for the lagoon.
He said the community was unhappy with the outcome and disappointed about the time and money they had lost in a process which had not impacted the end result.
“I think the overall health of the lagoon’s going to be negatively affected. And the public and private property, that’s going to be negatively affected going forward.”
Disagreement hinges on the water level at which both sides believe the lagoon should be opened.
The applicants have gained permission to open at levels which gradually increase from 2.3m to 2.5m over a 20-year period, but opponents maintain the threshold should be lower, citing impact on surrounding farmland and issues with the lagoon’s health.
Mr Van Rossum said a community meeting would be held next week to determine if an appeal would be lodged.
Meanwhile, the outcome has been well received by the applicants in a joint media statement.
Environment Southland chairman Nicol Horrell said the decision was timely and gave certainty to how the applicants moved forward with the lagoon, alongside the community.
Te Rūnaka o Awarua kaiwhakahaere Pania Coote said the consent recognised the importance of ecological integrity, cultural values and community involvement.
Doc Murihiku operations manager John McCarroll felt the consent would bring certainty for the next 20 years.
The lagoon is home to native birds, fish and plants, and forms part of an internationally significant wetland next to Toetoes Bay.
A previous consent for its opening expired in 2022, meaning two openings in 2024 were done under emergency powers.
The hearing for the consent application ran from July 29 to July 31 and included presentations for 19 of a total 51 submissions.
• LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.