Horizons has no power to take action over Shannon wastewater treatment plant

Last updated 17:57, December 14 2015

Horizons had encouraged HDC to engage with the community.

"I regret I don't have a legal power to do what you're asking me."

Peet said he believed it was national process to be registered as an archeological site.

The issue went through a "very exhaustive environment court process" and Horizons could only enforce the conditions.

"I can't abate somebody for something that people feel they should morally be or morally they shouldn't be doing."

Suitability of the site was canvassed by the court.

Chief executive Michael McCartney said a better relationship was needed between Horowhenua District Council and its community.

"If there is a conversation it needs to be with the district council. What is being asked for is beyond the scope of these consents and might require some voluntary agreements. We have asked the district council to engage on numerous occasions, but that is all we can do."

Palmerston North councillor Murray Guy said both sides were failing to work together.

"It is a classic situation where people have been bogged down in set positions without looking at the overall goal which is to get that wastewater discharge out of the river."

"This process has been going on for 30 odd years. It's frustrating, it does mean that people get bogged down in side issues - people forget the main goal."

- Stuff

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