Of course, their insurance companies will pay the fines of forestry companies successfully prosecuted by the Gisborne District Council for discharging contaminants and unlawful earthworks. 

This is why the ban on insurance was put into the Natural and Built Environment Act 2023. Companies and individuals could insure for legal representation and remediation but not for penalties. 

Another casualty of reckless repeal under the current Government is the loss of this incentive for companies to protect rather than pollute the environment. 

Allowing entities to insure against penalties radically undermines the deterrent effect of environmental law. 

Manu Caddie