Name suppression for those linked to mass eel deaths

Interim name suppression has been granted to a Gore company and two individuals facing charges in relation to a discharge to the Low Burn Stream near Mataura, which resulted in the death of thousands of eels in February this year.

• Thousands of eels found dead in stream

The charges, laid in the Gore District Court on August 15, had their first hearing yesterday, a statement from Environment Southland said.

Judge Russell Walker remanded all charges without plea until November 27, and granted interim name suppression for all defendants until that time.

Counsel Tim McGuigan of Wynn Williams represented Environment Southland.

Environment Southland made no further comment as the matter was before court.

The eels were found dead in the Low Burn stream near Brydone, south of Gore, in February.

Hokonui Rūnanga environmental lead Riki Parata said at the time he was saddened by the event.

 - APL