Tai Tokerau Leader Defends Kaitiakitanga Against Wastewater Proposal

A Tai Tokerau community leader who spearheaded the successful 'Save Our Harbour' campaign is asserting the importance of local kaitiakitanga following a proposal to truck wastewater from a new Auckland housing development to Whangārei. Tim Howard, who led historical efforts to stop sewage spills into Whangārei Harbour, is raising concerns alongside Green MP Hūhana Lyndon regarding the impact of the Delmore development on Northland’s infrastructure. The Delmore project, a 1217-home development near Ōrewa by Vineway Ltd and Myland Partners, received draft fast-track expert panel approval on July 14. Because Auckland's Watercare cannot provide connections until 2050, the developer proposes trucking approximately 504,000 litres of treated wastewater daily to Whangārei’s Kioreroa Rd plant. This plan would involve 1600 tanker loads traveling over the Brynderwyn Hills during the summer months. Mr. Howard emphasized that the responsibility of tangata whenua to act as guardians for their local environment is not a transferable commodity. He criticized the Whangārei District Council for indicating capacity at the treatment plant without first consulting local hapū. According to Mr. Howard, the kaitiakitanga that tangata whenua are responsible for in their areas cannot simply be shifted elsewhere to accommodate private developments. Northland Green MP Hūhana Lyndon supported this stance, expressing concern that the fast-track process is sidelining the voices of hapū, iwi, and the wider community. She questioned the precedent of making Tai Tokerau a destination for Auckland's waste. The expert panel is expected to issue a final decision on the application by August 10, which will include a full evaluation of the project's benefits and environmental conditions.