$300,000 costs awarded against SDC in environmental case

Southland District Council has been ordered to pay costs of $300,000 to Te Anau landowner Peter Chartres following an Environment Court hearing in April.

Council had sought a ruling to prevent the further clearing of indigenous vegetation on Mr Chartres’ property, Te Anau Downs Station, but the judgment ruled in Mr Chartres’ favour.

Council was notified of the costs awarded against it today.

Southland District Council chief executive Cameron McIntosh said Council accepted the judgment following what had been an “incredibly challenging” case.

“This has highlighted the difficulties of operating in the realm of the Resource Management Act and associated government regulations.

“While it is the responsibility of councils to follow up on complaints made by members of the public, there are no winners here.”

“In the New Year we intend to raise these matters with the Ministry for the Environment - Manatū Mō Te Taiao to highlight the complexities of the situation.”

Mr McIntosh will be making no further comment.