‘Third World’ life by mushroom farm
Residents living by a mushroom farm have compared Hawke’s Bay to a third-world country because of the smell.
Allan and Karen Heeney, who reside on Arataki Rd in Havelock North, have lived there for about four years.
They make up two of a group of about 25 complainants in the area who report the nearby Te Mata Mushroom Company, which has operated from Brookvale Rd for about 50 years, to Hawke’s Bay Regional Council for offensive odour.
‘‘It sometimes is so bad that you can’t breathe – literally can’t breathe,’’ Karen Heeney said.
‘‘Summer’s worse because, obviously, you’re outside more and the stink is worse. It’s like living in a third-world country,’’ her husband said.
The ‘‘toxic’’ smell had become more severe since they moved there – particularly over last summer.
‘‘Some days I have to come in because I want to be sick. You feel like you want to have a lolly to clear the taste. It makes you feel nauseous.’’
The couple get in their car and travel out of town when the smell is at its worst.
‘‘Your house smells like a sewer,’’ Karen Heeney said.
They feel they have been made out to be villains by those who do not live in the area.
On Wednesday, Stuff visited Arataki Rd and found the earthy, compost smell was bearable, only getting worse when areas near the farm were approached.
Complainants said the smell that day was barely noticeable, and it could often be ‘‘20 times’’ worse.
Company owner Michael Whittaker said the complaints and $26,000 fine imposed in the Environment Court had taken a huge toll on the business.
‘‘The claim that everyone makes is that we’ve expanded and are producing more compost and we’ve changed the recipe. All of those are completely incorrect.
‘‘If anyone’s got evidence that we have increased production ... please come forward, tell everyone, put it out there. They are happy for it to be a rumour because it drives their cause.’’
Regional council chief executive James Palmer said the council had received about 200 odour complaints this year.