Retirees allege neighbor's sewage harms their Whangārei property

A retired couple in New Zealand, Peter and Diane Oliver, believe their dream property has been ruined by a neighbor's sewage. They own a two-hectare block outside Whangārei, which they bought in 2018. After finalizing the purchase, they discovered an easement. This easement allowed their neighbor to discharge treated sewage beneath their protected native trees. The Olivers feel it is morally wrong for the neighbor to continue this practice. They admit to being misled by their own lawyer and facing various failures during the buying process. Since learning about the easement, they have spent about $40,000 trying to have it removed but have not succeeded. Now, after seven years, the couple and an arborist have observed that all the mature trees affected by the sewage have died. The Olivers are frustrated and saddened by the situation they find themselves in.