FMC lodges neutral submission on Whangaehu River waste discharge

In December 2025, FMC opposed the Winstone Pulp International Limited resource content application to enable to discharge of treated pulp mill wastewater, stormwater and a foam inhibitor to the Whangaehu River. Our opposition was due to concerns about effects on recreation and the river environment.

Since then, the application has been significantly revised. Throughout the process, FMC had the opportunity to engage directly with the applicant and its consultant, review the amended proposal, and seek independent technical advice before reaching its position.

The revised application reduces the discharge to less than 20% of the original volume, adds wetland treatment, and was publicly notified even though it didn’t have to be. After reviewing the revised proposal, we’ve concluded the effects on whitewater recreation are now likely to be negligible. As a result, FMC has lodged a neutral submission.

Our preference will always be for rivers to run from source to sea without industrial discharges. But good advocacy also means recognising when concerns have been listened to, proposals have been significantly improved, and better outcomes have been achieved.

We appreciate the open and constructive engagement from Winstone Pulp, Babbage Consultants and Horizons Regional Council throughout this process. This is the kind of consenting process we’d like to see more often—one that is transparent, evidence-based and leads to better outcomes for both our environment and our outdoor community.

Read our submission here.