A mushroom company has been fined $32,000 over a stench from its composting operation.
The Waikato Regional Council took the prosecution against New Zealand Mushrooms, which has admitted six charges related to the discharge of objectionable odours.
One neighbour stated that the smell resembled a dead animal, while a council enforcement officer said he could virtually taste the odour in the back of his mouth when he went to investigate.
Judge Melanie Harland said $40,000 would have been an appropriate starting point for a fine, but gave the company credit for guilty pleas and for subsequently trying to deal with the problem.
The council says ongoing smells have a significant impact on people's emotions, health and quality of life, so the hefty fine should send a strong message.
