Silver Fern Farms, a company that publicly champions its commitment to sustainable and climate-friendly practices, faces scrutiny after evidence of severe environmental pollution near its killing plant in Pareora.
The company’s operations are reportedly a major source of this pollution, contributing contaminants such as nitrogen, phosphorus, blood, and faecal matter.
This came to light after a social media video went viral on Instagram, highlighting the impact of the waste on its chosen environment. Te Ao Māori News reached out to Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu for comment from the local hapū, but they did not wish to comment at this stage.
The pollution is so extensive that it can be observed on Google Maps, with satellite images revealing substantial waste being discharged into coastal waters.
Environmental group SAFE is urgently calling on Environment Canterbury to stop the harmful wastewater disposal practices at Silver Fern Farms’ Pareora slaughterhouse near Te Tihi-o-Maru (Timaru). Footage obtained by SAFE shows substantial volumes of toxic slaughterhouse waste flowing directly into the ocean, raising serious concerns about environmental degradation and risks to marine life.
In a statement to Te Ao Māori News, SAFE Campaign Manager Emma Brodie says she condemns the following actions made by Silver Fern Farm.
“Dumping slaughterhouse waste into Aotearoa’s oceans is a reckless act of environmental sabotage.”
As concerns grow, local communities and environmental activists are demanding accountability to protect the health of the Moana and surrounding ecosystems.
Te Ao Māori News reached out to Silver Fern Farms but they have not yet responded.
