Auckland Council is recommending plans for a controversial rubbish dump earmarked for Dome Valley be declined.
File photo of a hīkoi in central Auckland against the Dome Valley landfill. Photo: RNZ / Jogai Bhatt
The final decision rests with independent commissioners, who will hear both sides and any new evidence at a hearing next month held at the Warkworth Town Hall.
In a report released today, Auckland Council said Waste Management's application for a rubbish dump would have an "unacceptable" effect on ecology in the valley.
It said the dump would span 60 hectares and remove 14 kilometres of stream, home to the native Hochstetter's frogs, fernbird, spotless crake and Australasian bittern.
The report said there are cultural values to take into account, which need to be presented by mana whenua at the hearing.
It said the proposed site alongside State Highway 1 was well suited for a landfill, but the environmental effects outweighed this.