Mission Mataura

When you drive through Mataura in Southland, you will notice the message "Get this waste out of our place!!" graffitied on several buildings. What is the waste of concern?

The waste is 8500 tonnes of ouvea premix – a toxin that releases deadly ammonia gas when mixed with water. It is a by-product of the Tiwai Point Aluminium Smelter and was transferred to Mataura paper mill six years ago without resource consent by the now-defunct Taha Asia Pacific, who were contracted by New Zealand Aluminium Smelters.

The locals are particularly fearful because the waste has been threatened by flooding and fire this year.

In March 2018, New Zealand Aluminium Smelters and Rio Tinto committed to a $4 million plan alongside local authorities and the government to move the waste from Mataura and other sites around Southland over six years.

In September 2020, the Environmental Defence Society took New Zealand Aluminium Smelters and Rio Tinto to court to settle who is responsible for managing the waste.

Watching the space with bated breath..