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National | Environment

Ngāti Kahungunu halt consent to increase extraction of water from aquifer

Ngāti Kahungunu are halting a consent that would see almost a million litres of water being drawn from the Heretaunga aquifer and sent overseas in the form of bottled water.

Hapū on behalf of the iwi this morning lodged a moratorium with the Hawke's Bay Regional Council saying increased water extraction from the aquifer could be to the region's detriment.

Hawke's Bay aquifers are arguably one of this country's freshest source of natural ground water, and it's in high demand from businesses wanting to make a profit.

The iwi is especially concerned around the impact increased water extraction will have on the aquifer, especially during drought season.

The moratorium has put on hold plans by Hastings Company Elwood Road Holdings Limited to increase its current extraction allowance from 360,000 a year to 900,000 a year.

Hapū would like more research done on the effects higher extraction would have on the aquifer, with a public hui planned for this Sunday at Waipatu Marae.