The Masterplan reflects the historical, cultural and environmental context of the site and has embedded a range of design principles which reflect the values of the client and the project team. In effectively capturing the vision for the project and providing a framework for this future development, the Masterplan has been an invaluable tool in assisting with stakeholder engagement and providing a platform for project funding applications.

In a separate workstream, Boffa Miskell’s ecology team has been critical in the on-going preparation of the extensive site rehabilitation programme, through the baseline assessments and the recommended environmental restoration activities to be programmed to align with the progressive filling of the lake; which is expected to take more than ten years.

With the site having an existing Rural zoning and Coal Mine Policy overlay, an efficient and effective planning framework was considered vital to provide certainty to support the long-term project vision.

Boffa Miskell’s planning team led the process to create the new Kimihia Lakes Zone (Special Purpose Zone within the National Planning Standards) with a comprehensive suite of bespoke provisions proposed to specifically provide for the project’s proposed activities, reflect the scale and characteristics of the site, and respond to concerns raised by submitters. A hearing for the new Kimihia Lakes Zone was held in early June 2021, with decisions on the Proposed Waikato District Plan expected later in the year.