Rotorua Mudtopia Festival: South Korean mud delivery cancelled

  • 07/08/2017
Rotorua Mudtopia Festival: South Korean mud delivery cancelled
Photo credit: Getty

The controversial plan to import of $90,000 of mud powder from South Korea has been cancelled after "ongoing public concern".

The cosmetic powder was to be shipped in for the Mudtopia Festival in Rotorua this summer, but the council said the festival would happen without it.

Critics were concerned about the cost of the mud, and asked why it was necessary to buy mud from overseas when there was plenty around in New Zealand.

"Given ongoing public concern regarding the importation of cosmetic mud powder from South Korea, the decision has been made to run the festival without it," Rotorua Lakes Council acting operations manager Henry Weston said. "This decision follows a meeting with the event's advisory board and delivery partners."

Growers were also concerned about the biosecurity risk, although the Ministry for Primary Industries said it would ensure there was no risk.

"We were satisfied with MPI processes and requirements, which would have ensured the safety of the imported cosmetic mud powder," Mr Weston said. "However, given the heightened public unease and the importance of needing to alleviate that, we have made the decision to proceed without the imported product."

He said the council was focused on making sure the Mudtopia Festival would still be "an outstanding event".

Newshub.