Farmer `fined for weeding his own land'

An MP is demanding an explanation for a fine of nearly $17,000 imposed on a Waikato farmer for removing weeds from his own land.

NZ First's Richard Prosser says Waikato Regional Council prosecuted Okoroire sharemilker Bas Nelis, a farmer who had previously won environmental awards.

"He was raided by six council investigators and the police because he was clearing a gully of pest plants before replanting it with natives," Mr Prosser said on Wednesday.

"His environmental work has resulted in a $16,875 fine under the Resource Management Act for unlawful use of land and disturbing a riverbed."

Mr Prosser says he's writing a "please explain" letter to Local Government Minister Paula Bennett.

"There's genuine anger in the Waikato from farmers, former and current councillors, as well as from Federated Farmers," he said.

"That tells me the council has stuffed up big time."

The fine was imposed by Environment Court Judge Melanie Harland.

She acknowledged in her decision the previous environmental work carried out by Nelis, but also said he should have known better because of that.

Council chief executive Vaughan Payne described the case as "difficult and unusual," Fairfax reported at the time.

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Farmer `fined for weeding his own land'