A group of Waitakere residents have been granted a High Court injunction to stop the aerial spraying of wetlands.

The spraying of the Te Henga Wetland near Bethells Beach on Auckland's west coast was intended to remove willows that are damaging the river.

Resident Toby Muir, who owns a small lifestyle block in the area, says he and some fellow residents lodged the injunction over concerns about the safety of the spray. He says they were not notified and as an organic gardener himself, he was concerned about being exposed to an unknown risk without consultation.

Mr Muir says locals think of the ecosystem in the area as a whole and the decision to save one thing at the risk of killing the other should not be rushed.

The Auckland Regional Council says given how late it is in the season, and with the delay the injunction is causing, the operation will not be able to go ahead this year.

Another hearing on the matter will be held at the High Court in Auckland in July.