A Taranaki dairy farmer who claimed that Mother Nature straightened a meandering stream on his property has been fined $60,000.
The constructed channel (left) and the dry natural watercourse (right). Photo: Supplied / Taranaki Regional Council
Colin David Boyd appeared in the New Plymouth District Court today for sentencing on eight charges of breaching the Resource Management Act by diverting the Mangatengehu Stream in 2013.
The stream was diverted into the constructed channel (centre) from its natural course (shown by the natural vegetation). Photo: Supplied / Taranaki Regional Council
At his trial the Taranaki farmer claimed erosion had straightened a one kilometre stretch of the stream, a claim the Crown said was fanciful.
Boyd's counsel asked that the 74-year-old's age be taken into account and the fact the remedial work was being done.
The Crown said there were no mitigating factors.
Judge Craig Thompson said Boyd knew a consent was required and the action was considered and deliberate.