A judge who was "not impressed at all" has slapped a fine of
$50,000 fine on a winery for taking water from a river in
breach of water restrictions.
Morton Estate Ltd pleaded guilty in Hastings Environment
Court yesterday to three charges of taking water outside its
resource consent conditions, The Dominion Post reported.
The company has vineyards in Hawke's Bay and Marlborough and
the offences were committed by the company's Mangatahi and
Matapiro vineyards beside the Ngaruroro River, west of
Hastings.
In early 2009, Hawke's Bay Regional Council imposed
water-take bans on the river and informed both vineyards'
managers.
Despite the bans, the vineyards took water from the river in
January and February. Their lawyer argued that it was to
protect the vines.
The managers thought that, if they breached the ban, they
might be liable for an infringement fee of $500 to $750.
However, Judge Craig Thompson said the managers took water in
a "deliberate flouting of a perfectly well known restriction"
and "in face of a clear warning".
The vineyards were fined $20,000 on each charge and a further
$10,000 for a charge of taking more water than consented at
the Mangatahi vineyard.
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