1 Oct 2012

Rubbish transfer opposed on cultural grounds

7:45 pm on 1 October 2012

An appeal has been lodged with the Environment Court in Rotorua opposing consent for a new rubbish transfer station in the city.

In early September an independent commissioner granted the Transpacific Industries Group permission to build the station on the corner of Te Ngae Road and Hamiora Place, in the suburb of Ngapuna.

Ngapuna resident John Tapiata lodged the appeal but and says he is disappointed that neither the Rotorua District Council nor the Bay of Plenty Regional Council carried out a cultural impact assessment of the area.

Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Whakarewarewa principal Hariata Tapiata heads a school less than two kilometres away from the proposed transfer station and has also also voiced her opposition to the consent.

Ms Tapiata likens it to having a rubbish bin put in a householder's lounge.

She's worried the transfer station which will be within 100 metres of a popular ngawha, or hot pool, and only 200 metres from people's homes, will create a smell and attract insects and rodents.

Independent Commissioner Bruce Graham is satisfied the physical effects of the transfer station can be controlled, and that the quality of the environment won't be adversely affected.