Boffa Miskell was part of Meridian Energy's consenting team and responsible for preparing landscape/visual and ecology assessment reports for the resource consent application, including proposed mitigation; and presentation of expert witness evidence at the subsequent planning hearing.
Client
Location
Project team
Project date
2003
Our consultants worked with the Tararua District Council, Horizons Manawatu-Wanganui Regional Council, Department of Conservation and various other agencies to identify and address issues early on in the assessment process.
The visibility of the turbines and their potential effects on the foothills of the Ruahine Ranges were the main issues addressed. We prepared a series of computer-generated visual simulations to help people understand the impact of the proposed turbines from representative locations in and around the Manawatu Gorge, including viewpoints from landscapes on both sides of the gorge. These simulations a very effective communication tool during public consultation and the planning hearing.
Possible effects on wildlife populations moving between the Manawatu Gorge and the Ruahine Forest Park were also of concern to various stakeholders. Our ecological assessment included a review of international research, backed up by field surveys, which resulted in some aspects of the wind-farm design being modified to avoid identified sensitive sites.
Consent was granted in September 2003 and electricity generation began a year later.
