Contractors working at the Rangitahi development have been fined $110,000 over sediment-laden discharges that killed sea life in Whāingaroa Harbour.
Hamilton-based earthworks contractor Pemberton Civil (Hamilton) Limited was convicted in November by Judge David Kirkpatrick in the Hamilton District Court.
The firm was contracted to complete earthworks for the development site, including the installation of erosion and sediment controls – which the council investigation discovered had not actually been undertaken. This caused a substantial release of sediment into the harbour over several days in July 2018.
At the time the prosecution was brought, Pemberton Civil general manager Mark Burnham described the action from Waikato Regional Council as “unsubstantiated and frivolous”.
Despite the fact that the sediment was visible to anyone who went near the water at the time Mr Burnham went on to threaten the council with court action if they didn’t drop the prosecution, maintaining that he had protected the environment in “every aspect possible”.
The threat of court action appeared to have a chilling effect on commentary and publicity with local regional councillor at the time, Fred Lichtwark telling Raglan Community Radio that he wasn’t allowed to comment on the investigation until it was completed. It has taken five years for the truth to emerge.
The Karioi Project is asking us to keep our dogs on a leash when down the end of Wainui Beach for the next month as they attempt to protect Oi and Kororā chicks while they mature in their burrows and nests. Other wise known as the Grey Faced Petrel and the Little Penguin, the Karioi Project has been working hard to make sure that as many of their chicks as possible make it to adulthood and dog owners can do their bit by keeping their dog on a lead on the western half of Wainui beach – that’s the end with the surf club.
The traditional end of year events are on again this year with the Carols held at St Peters last week and Christmas In The Park becoming Christmas at Wi Neera with the event being shifted to the empty site down Wi Neera st for Christmas 2023. Surfside Church will be tidying it up and putting on their bi-annual show featuring Carols, Christmas Activities, Kai and entertainment with Late 80’s Mercedes and the man himself, Santa Claus making an appearance.
The Lions have also said that the annual New Year’s Eve Parade will also be on again on 31st December at 7pm with floats due round the corner on Wallis St at 6pm for judging. https://raglanradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Image%202_Tidal%20area%20impacted.JPG