Update from Judge about ouvea pre-mix removal

Minute released by Alternate Environment Judge Newhook

(30 October 2020)

[1] I have today (30 October) conducted a follow-up confidential settlement conference to the one I conducted in Invercargill on 9 September and three others held electronically on 28 September, 9 October and 16 October.

[2] Constructive progress continues on planning for removal of the ouvea pre-mix from Mataura to an industrial site, but I was informed that final details of complex contractual arrangements among at least seven corporate and government agency parties remain to be concluded. I was advised that those parties are meeting next week with a view to negotiate and settle the final details for putting the contracts in place.

[3] The parties remain focussed on the urgency of the situation and are continuing to act constructively and with expedition. Their expectation is that the accelerated removal from Mataura will be commencing in the second week of November. The aim is still to complete it by Christmas but that may be weather-dependent.

I have directed hard work and urgency on finalising contractual arrangements, and a further electronic conference for Monday 9 November.