It's good news that tonnes of toxic waste will finally be removed from a Southland town, but some Mataura residents say that after many failed promises, they'll hold off celebrating until they see firm proof.
The government has announced a deal with New Zealand Aluminium Smelters - the two will share the cost of around $1 million to remove about 8000 tonnes of aluminium dross from Mataura's paper mill.
The dross was stored on the banks of the Mataura river which is prone to flooding. If mixed with water, it releases deadly ammonia gas.
The waste is now due to be taken back to Tiwai Point by the end of April, processed by a third party and exported.
Terry Nicholas is from Ngāi Tahu's Hokonui rūnanga, and Lisa King is a Mataura resident.
