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9 Mar 2026 6:36

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Northland's largest wetland has suffered significant damage after a landowner allowed livestock to enter, sprayed pesticides and illegally installed 600m of drains

Northland's largest wetland has suffered significant damage after a landowner allowed livestock to enter, sprayed pesticides and illegally installed 600m of drains

9 February 2025

The area damaged in the Kaimaumau-Motutangi Wetland is the size of 54 rugby fields.

The Environment Court has now ordered New Zealand Watermelon Distributors Limited and its director, Paul Martin Harvey, to undertake immediate remedial work.

The wetland is classified as a high-priority conservation area by both the Northland Regional Council and the Department of Conservation.

It's home to endangered species of plants, birds, reptiles, swamp kauri and some of the most expensive timber in the world.

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