Consent granted for construction of Arawhata wetland complex

Horizons Regional Council has been granted resource consent to construct the Arawhata wetland complex, one of a suite of actions to address water quality in Punahau Lake Horowhenua.

Horizons freshwater and partnerships manager Logan Brown says the consent was granted today by the Environmental Protection Authority Te Mana Rauhī Taiao. 
 
“The goal of the wetland complex is to filter phosphorus bound to sediment and reduce the concentrations of nitrogen in water before it reaches Punahau, as well as creating improved habitats for native bird and fish species.
 
“As we have just received the decision, we need time to go through the decision and consent conditions before making any further comment or proceeding with any work.
 
“We continue to work with project partners, including the Governance Group which has representation from Horizons, Horowhenua District Council, Muaūpoko Tribal Authority, Te Rūnanga o Raukawa, Lake Horowhenua Trust, and Ministry for the Environment.
 
Further information about the wetland complex and other interventions designed to improve water quality is available here: https://www.horizons.govt.nz/managing-natural-resources/horowhenua-water-quality-interventions
 
The full consent decision is available on the Environmental Protection Authority website here: https://www.epa.govt.nz/fast-track-consenting/referred-projects/arawhata-wetland/

Photo: The Arawhata wetland site, looking towards Punahau Lake Horowhenua.