The legal fight to stop the proposed Otakiri Springs water bottling plant expansion, will be heard in our highest court.
The Supreme Court last week, agreed to hear Ngati Awa and Sustainable Otakiri's appeal.
It comes after the Court of Appeal, dismissed the iwi's appeal to stop expansion plans, late last year.
In 2016 Creswell New Zealand, a subsidiary of Chinese water bottling company, Nongfu, bought the plant.
It applied for consents from both Bay of Plenty Regional and Whakatane District Council's.
The consents covered an increase its water take from the Otakiri aquifer and the plants expansion plans.
They've subsequently upheld by the Environment and High Courts, plus the Court of Appeal.
Regional Council said it's picked up significant costs, defending its decision to grant the resource consent.
Regulatory Services General Manager Reuben Fraser said they'll argue the approach taken by the lower courts.
A Whakatane District Council spokesperson said, the decision has no influence on their position.
Sustainable Otakiri chair Maureen O'Kane said they welcome the opportunity to drive change, within the court.
O'Kane said it's an opportunity to drive change, within the court.
Te Runanga o Ngati Awa Chief Executive, Reuben Araroa said, the Court decision, is a step in the right direction.
Araroa said, it marks significant progress for the iwi, who've fought the proposal to bottle and export our water.
Creswell New Zealand is yet to respond to 1XX News for comment on the ruling.
Image: Wikipedia