Judge's minute about proceedings concerning ouvea premix removal

Media minute released by Environment Judge Newhook

Judge’s minute about Environmental Defence Society's court proceedings concerning ouvea premix removal at Mataura

(9 September 2020)

[1] I am taking the unusual step of issuing this minute after two days of judicial settlement conference because of the high level of public interest, and because I have directed the parties to confine their discussions to the conference parties and not beyond its confidential confines.

[2] This Minute is being issued with their consent.

[3] Progress has been made through robust discussions yesterday and today.

[4] Constructive practical solutions are on the table and are being actively worked on by the major parties.

[5] The parties all accept the urgency and seriousness of the situation at Mataura.

[6] I have directed a resumption of the settlement conference for just over two weeks’ time on Monday 28 September, with a view to finalising solutions. I have directed steps to be taken by parties meantime, and a timetable.

[7] The current contractual arrangements for removal of ouvea pre-mix from the Mataura premises are operating ahead of the originally-anticipated timetable, but the parties are working on developing considerably faster arrangements if at all possible.

[8] I have directed the parties not to make further comment in the media meantime so as not to prejudice the ongoing work and co-operation.

[9] There will be no further comment from the Court at this stage of the process.