A south Taranaki iwi is appealing against a decision giving approval for a oil and gas well site next to Egmont National Park.
Despite the cultural and environmental concerns of Ngaruahine iwi, a Stratford District Council hearing has ruled in favour of Tag Oil drilling eight wells within 300 metres of the park.
Mt Taranaki is considered sacred to iwi in the region and there are fears drilling may end up beneath the mountain.
Ngati Haua Whanui spokesperson Karl Adamson said the decision is disappointing.
He said the hapu, which made submissions to the hearing on behalf of Ngaruahine, was also unsuccessful in getting better monitoring and conditions relating to Tag discharging treated water from its operations into a nearby stream.
Mr Adamson said the hapu will now take its objections to the Environment Court.
