Four Ngāi Tahu entities have lodged an appeal with the Environment Court opposing an appeal lodged by the Christchurch City Council to discharge wastewater into Akaroa Harbour for the next 25 years.
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On 10 July, a decision was issued by an independent hearing's commissioners to decline the council's application to discharge treated wastewater into the coastal marine waters of the Akaroa Harbour.
Ōnuku Rūnanga, Wairewa Rūnanga, the Akaroa Taiāpure Management Committee and Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu want the original decision to decline the discharge upheld by the Environment Court.
The kaiwhakahaere of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, Tā Mark Solomon, said the iwi fully supported the July decision, saying it was great news for Akaroa, for the health and sustainability of mahinga kai and for the overall health of the harbour.
"The decision acknowledged the cultural and environmental concerns we had for the harbour and the health of the fisheries which our people have long depended on," Sir Mark said.
Since last month's decision, the Christchurch City Council has chosen to appeal to the Environment Court.
Tā Mark said the four Ngāi Tahu parties were seeking a land-based alternative for wastewater disposal and wished to work closely with the council to find a suitable solution.
"We have five years before the council has to implement the whole of its revised wastewater upgrade, so we have plenty of time to find a land-based solution that suits all parties."