The creek is an important kaimoana site for the Te Ngāi Tūāhuriri Iwi. A cultural impact report from the iwi at the time said members felt the incident wasted their efforts to restore the fishery and habitat. Polarcold Stores Ltd and its employee, Russell William Trent, were found guilty of the toxic spill in the Christchurch District Court and were fined $145,350, and $97,000 respectively. Trent appealed the fine on the grounds it was “manifestly excessive”. A recently released judgment from the appeal hearing outlines new details about the incident.