Forest & Bird has lodged formal comments on two major projects that are seeking approval under the controversial new Fast-track Approvals Act: the Tekapo Power Scheme and the Waihi North gold mine.
These projects are two of the first to reach the ‘comments’ stage in the notorious fast-track process, which drastically limits public input and appeal rights and only allows invited people and groups to participate.
“With no requirement for a hearing, these comments may be Forest & Bird’s only opportunity to speak up for nature in the environmental approval process,” says Erika Toleman, General Counsel at Forest & Bird.
The proposed Waihi North gold mine is located largely within Coromandel Forest Park, which is conservation land.
“Forest & Bird believes that conservation land should be for people and nature, not for mines,” says Ms Toleman.
“We regularly engage in resource consent and conservation approval processes for mining across Aotearoa New Zealand and understand the real and potential impacts on conservation values.”
Forest & Bird maintains a clear stance. No new mines should be permitted on conservation land.
“Even under the fast-track law, which controversially makes it easier to mine conservation land, this project should not proceed,” says Ms Toleman.
The proposed mine site is home to nationally significant wildlife, including endangered Archey’s and Hochstetter’s frogs, several native lizard species, and rare native plants.
“Should this development proceed, they’re all at risk,” says Ms Toleman.
While the mine may generate employment and revenue, Forest & Bird notes that the project is led by a Canadian-owned company, meaning economic benefits to New Zealand are limited.
Forest & Bird does not oppose the Tekapo Power Scheme but is calling for improved environmental outcomes.
“We’re asking for some water to be returned to the Takapō (Tekapo) River, rather than diverting it entirely for generating hydroelectricity,” says Ms Toleman.
The Takapō River is a naturally rare, braided river system of exceptional ecological value. Historically, its dynamic flow supported a rich mosaic of habitats, including ephemeral wetlands, gravel bars, and dryland ecosystems.
“Returning water to the Takapō River would improve the health of the river and would create more habitat for native birds and fish,” says Ms Toleman.
The diversion of water for the Tekapo Power Scheme has dewatered approximately 6.6 km of the river, causing a near-total loss of aquatic habitat and severely impacting ecosystem health, hydrological connectivity, and sediment transport.
The next step in the fast-track process is for applicants to respond to comments. The decision-making panel will then determine whether to hold a hearing or proceed directly to a decision.