Good afternoon Levonne
Thank you for your email. I understand you have corresponded with the
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) about this matter previously. 
As you have been previously advised, the EPA does not hold any information
about the spray plan for the Te Henga Wetlands as this sits within the
regulatory jurisdiction of the Auckland Council. 
We suggest you contact the Auckland Council for more information. 
 

Ngā mihi 

Anna 

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From: Levonne Scott <[FOI #32310 email]>
Sent: Sunday, 14 September 2025 5:14 pm
To: Ministerials <[EPA request email]>
Subject: Official Information request - Spray plan for glyphosate to be
aerial sprayed over Te Henga Wetlands
 
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Dear Environmental Protection Authority,

I would like all information given to the epa on the spray plan for the te
henga wetlands by Matuku Trust Ltd to aerial spray pesticides directly
over water/wetland 2024-27. I would like to request the spray plan by
David Hall for Phylogeny Ltd to operate and aerial spray by drone
herbicides / agrochemicals by air , into our air space and waterways in
our community.
What chemicals did they state they would be using ?
Did they state what chemicals were permitted by the council ?
How are chemicals that are a Catagory 2 toxic to the aquatic environment
with long lasting effects , with avoid release to the environment, allowed
to be aerial sprayed with a non selective agrochemical directly over a
highly protected wetland and significant ecological area containing
nationally critically endangered species that are a matter of national
importance   classed a permitted activity ? Safe or ok ? How did you
consider and come to the conclusion that mass spraying of agrochemicals by
drone would do no harm to the community , the endangered species and the
environment ?
The Auckland unitary plan for agro chemicals states that agrochemicals
must not be sprayed over waterways. That there must be no odour, no
visible spray.
So how are they allowed to be aerial sprayed over waterways , when the
product label and SDs state that they are not to be. ?
We would like a copy of all of the spray plans the chemicals / glyphosate
used and signed off and how you came to the decision that it would be
considered no more than minor effects to the environment and the community
by allowing agrochemicals / glyphosate toxic to aquatic environment  , and
glyphosate causing cancers , to be aerial sprayed into our breathing space
and the eco system ?
Was the area plan for te henga (Bethells) , the significant zoning , taken
into consideration when deciding if these chemicals were safe to use over
a significant ecological area, a natural outstanding landscape area, a
biodiversity focus area, a coastal zoning. A significant natural
historical area, a freshwater wetland in the waitakere ranges heritage
zone. ?
Does the area being sprayed come into consideration of what chemicals are
being used ? Do you consider what application of the chemicals is best for
the area , ie by hand drill and inject or aerial spraying ?
Do you consider the council RMA , Auckland Unitary Plan or the NES-F when
making your decisions on if a chemical /herbicide/pesticide/agrochemcials
can be used directly over water ?
What chemicals did you permit for this activity to be aerial sprayed in
near and on waterways by drone over our community and highly protected
environment ?

Levonne Scott

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