Wellsford Protest to Fight the Tip in the Dome

Saturday 11th October, 10:30am – Community Centre Wellsford

The Dome Valley is one of our region’s most beautiful natural taonga a sweeping bush-clad area of streams and ridgelines, feeding both east and west into our harbours. On the western side, its waterways flow into the Hōteo River, and then out into the Kaipara Harbour, one of the largest harbours in the world and a vital ecosystem for fish nurseries, birdlife, and cultural values.On the eastern side it will flow into the Mahurangi, The Glen Eden and Matakana Rivers and into the Hauraki Gulf.

Why the Protest?

Join the Wellsford protest on Saturday 11th October at 10:30am to oppose the proposed Dome Valley landfill. Locals and community groups continue the fight to protect the Dome’s bush, streams, and the Kaipara Harbour from toxic leachate.Join the Wellsford protest on Saturday 11th October at 10:30am to oppose the proposed Dome Valley landfill. Locals and community groups continue the fight to protect the Dome’s bush, streams, and the Kaipara Harbour from toxic leachate.

The campaign group Fight The Tip, Save the Dome has been at the heart of this opposition. Their message is clear: once our waterways are contaminated, there is no turning back.

“The Kaipara is already under immense stress from sediment, from pollution, from development. Allowing a landfill here is like pouring poison into an already fragile body. We can’t stand by and watch this happen.” Local campaigner

Iwi Positions – A Changing Landscape

The stance of iwi has shifted over time. Initially, iwi such as Ngāti Manuhiri and Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whātua (TRONW) stood alongside local communities in opposition. However, following the Environment Court’s ruling in December 2023 that the landfill could proceed under strict consent conditions, both iwi withdrew their opposition during 2025.

This decision was controversial, as the court also acknowledged conflicting tikanga views within the iwi themselves. While the larger iwi organisations have since signalled support, smaller marae, hapū, and grassroots community groups including Fight the Tip remain steadfast in their resistance. Many see the iwi’s change of position as a deep disappointment given the potential long-term risks to the Kaipara and Waitemata Harbour.

“Our tūpuna taught us to protect the awa and the moana. That responsibility doesn’t vanish with a legal ruling. For us, the fight continues — because once the Kaipara is polluted, it will be too late.” Local kaumātua

A Brief History

• 2018–2019 Waste Management NZ lodged plans for a massive new landfill in Dome Valley.
• 2020 onwards Community groups and iwi raised serious concerns about risks to the Hōteo River and the Kaipara Harbour.
• December 2023 The Environment Court granted resource consent with strict conditions, opening the way for the project.
• 2025 Ngāti Manuhiri and Ngāti Whātua withdrew opposition, while grassroots opponents vowed to continue the fight.

Join the Wellsford Protest

A community protest is being held in Wellsford on Saturday 11th October at 10:30am. Organisers are calling on residents from across the Matakana Coast, Kaipara, and Rodney to show their support.

“We need numbers. We need voices. We need the people of Wellsford, Warkworth, Matakana and beyond to show that this landfill is not welcome here. The Dome deserves better. The Kaipara deserves better.” Protest organiser

This is an opportunity to stand together to protect our bush, our rivers, and our harbours from a landfill that threatens the very health of the environment around us.

👉 All are welcome bring banners, friends, and your voice to make sure Wellsford and the wider community are heard.