Controversial Rotorua Sewerage Pipeline Case Returns to Court

The construction of a contentious sewerage pipeline near Lake Tarawera in New Zealand is set to return to court. The Rotokākahi Board of Control (RBOC) is taking legal action against the Rotorua Lakes Council regarding the Tarawera Sewage Scheme. This project aims to connect approximately 440 properties around Lake Tarawera to the public wastewater network. A significant section of the pipeline, measuring 1.4 kilometers, will run along Tarawera Road, close to Lake Rotokākahi, a site regarded as sacred by local iwi, with ancestral remains buried in the vicinity due to the 1886 Mt Tarawera eruption.

The construction of the pipeline has faced numerous interruptions, including protests, an occupation of the area, and the arrest of seven individuals for trespass in February 2025. In an interview with Radio New Zealand (RNZ), Rotorua Lakes Council Chief Executive Andrew Moraes stated that the sewage scheme would eliminate the need for septic tanks in the area, which have been known to leak into the lake. “We have almost 20 kilometers of pipe throughout the district of a similar type and construction that is installed a similar distance from our other lakes, and we’ve had no incidences of those pipes leaking in the history of this district,” he remarked.

The Board’s spokesperson, Te Whatanui Leka Skipwith, criticized the council for failing to properly consult with mana whenua (local indigenous people) and emphasized that this lack of genuine engagement has necessitated legal action. “We welcome our day in court—because we’ve had enough. The council has ignored consultation, disrespected the process, and resorted to last-minute legal maneuvers whenever we pushed back,” Skipwith stated.

He expressed a firm resolve, saying, “On December 1, 2025, they’ll have to front. No more hiding behind rushed paperwork, closed-door deals, or political convenience. This is a chance for mana whenua to finally challenge the council on neutral ground—and to make it clear that we will always protect Rotokākahi, no matter who tries to silence us.” According to Skipwith, the RBOC insists that the council must honor its legal obligations and respect the decision-making authority of mana whenua.

A previous attempt to halt the pipeline’s installation failed in the Environment Court. The upcoming hearing at the High Court in Rotorua is scheduled to commence on December 1, 2025. The Rotorua Lakes Council declined to comment on the matter, stating that it is currently under judicial review.

This legal battle underscores ongoing tensions between local authorities and indigenous groups regarding land use and environmental stewardship, particularly in areas of cultural significance. The outcome of this case could have profound implications for future projects in the region and the relationship between the council and local iwi.