Waihi Dairy Farmer Fined $39,000 for Dairy Effluent Breaches
A Waihi dairy farmer, Keith Torrens, has been convicted and fined $39,000 for the unlawful discharge of dairy effluent following a prosecution taken by Waikato Regional Council.
The decision on proposed Waikato Regional Plan Change 1 (PC1) was issued by the court on Monday, 8 June, giving the council until 21 July to make the changes.
Once the court confirms the amendments meet its intent, the plan will be finalised.
Appeals on the court's decision, limited to matters of law, are only able to be made to the High Court.
Thirteen Years in Development
Chris McLay, Waikato Regional Council chief executive, says the decision marks a significant milestone in the 13-year process of the plan's development.
“The Environment Court process is finally nearing an end. This decision is yet another step closer to providing clarity and certainty for farmers and growers in the Waikato and Waipā river catchments on their obligations for meeting the new rule framework,” he says.
Technical Review Underway
“This decision is detailed and highly technical because of its significance in setting up the framework for the policies and rules, and time will be needed for staff to fully review the 217-page decision and respond to the directions by the July deadline," says science, policy and information director Tracey May.
The majority of court directions are very explicit, however there are a number of the directions that will require expert consideration, she says.
May says the way the decision has been framed, it is important that it is read in conjunction with the two previously released interim court decisions (in May 2025 and February 2026).
She says the ruling sets clear expectations for the support needed for ongoing implementation work.
“It gives us a stronger foundation for implementation, including the emphasis on practical guidance and support for farmers and growers.”
An 80-Year Vision for River Health
PC1 is designed as the first step in a long-term strategy to improve water quality in the Waikato and Waipā river catchments.
It is a change to the Waikato Regional Plan, developed with the community, to allow for the management of nitrogen, phosphorus, sediment and bacteria in the Waikato and Waipā rivers.
A total of 24 appeals were lodged with the Environment Court, covering over 1000 points, in 2020.
