News | Environment
17 Feb 2026 9:17
NZCity News
NZCity CalculatorReturn to NZCity

  • Start Page
  • Personalise
  • Sport
  • Weather
  • Finance
  • Shopping
  • Jobs
  • Horoscopes
  • Lotto Results
  • Photo Gallery
  • Site Gallery
  • TVNow
  • Dating
  • SearchNZ
  • NZSearch
  • Crime.co.nz
  • RugbyLeague
  • Make Home
  • About NZCity
  • Contact NZCity
  • Your Privacy
  • Advertising
  • Login
  • Join for Free

  •   Home > News > Environment

    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


    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.

    © 2026 Newstalk ZB, NZCity

     Other Environment News
     17 Feb: The next bout of heavy rain has started its rampage on the east of the South Island
     17 Feb: Thousands of Wellingtonians could be without power until Wednesday
     16 Feb: Weather warnings are set to fade away tonight
     16 Feb: Raw sewage is once again being pumped into the sea close to Wellington's southern shoreline, as heavy rain lashes the capital
     16 Feb: Firefighters have responded to more than 850 calls overnight - with severe gusts and intense downpours in the centre of the country
     16 Feb: Blustery winds and heavy rain are continuing to impact parts of the country - particularly the lower North Island
     16 Feb: Large swathes of the country are waking up under MetService weather warnings
     Top Stories

    RUGBY RUGBY
    A Dunedin man who sent a secretly-recorded sex tape to dozens of rugby mates, has failed to have his conviction quashed More...


    BUSINESS BUSINESS
    Retail confidence is at a two-year high - but full recovery is still to come More...



     Today's News

    Rugby League:
    New Zealand Rugby League boss Greg Peters is saluting the fact Kiwi internationals can now play State of Origin 9:07

    Entertainment:
    Peter Andre won't be spending Valentine's Day with his wife Emily 8:57

    Entertainment:
    Robert Duvall, star of The Godfather and Apocalypse Now, dies at 95 8:57

    Entertainment:
    Gary Numan's wife has been left paralysed following an operation 8:27

    National:
    Play reduces stress and lifts wellbeing – and adults benefit as much as children do 8:07

    Environment:
    The next bout of heavy rain has started its rampage on the east of the South Island 8:07

    Entertainment:
    Jesy Nelson says her former Little Mix bandmates have "all reached out" since she gave birth 7:57

    Health & Safety:
    Fears that alcohol ads are influencing how children think about alcohol 7:57

    Business:
    Retail confidence is at a two-year high - but full recovery is still to come 7:57

    International:
    How to decide what type of car insurance is best for you 7:37


     News Search






    Power Search


    © 2026 New Zealand City Ltd