New Zealand Mushrooms had received interim orders from the Environment Court either to shut its composting plant or control the odour so that it does not spread beyond its jurisdiction.

However with the backing of Waikato Regional Council the mushroom farming is likely to continue till the end of the next year. Drawing attention to the definition of the purpose of the Resource Management Act, Resource use programme manager, David Stagg said, “EW, Environment Waikato, enabling people to provide for their social and economic well-being, while avoiding, remedying or mitigating adverse effects and this is why it now supported the proposal.”

New Zealand Mushrooms has now sought the permission of Environment Court to continue its mushroom farming at Morrinsville for two years. The company plans to shift the facility to Canterbury thereafter.

Parent company Meadow Mushrooms said that the closure of the Morrinsville would cause loss of 160 jobs, and if the case in the court drags on then it would be forced to decide on the future of the plant without waiting for the court decision.

Chief Executive of Meadow Mushrooms, Roger Young, mentioned that although the company has not taken any decision on the matter but the company may be compelled to decide soon in case of delays in the court. He added, “We’ve been waiting a long time for a result, and it’s having a knock-on effect. Our straw suppliers are currently in their harvest season and we are unable to give them any firm answers while we’re in this situation.”