The company behind the application to build a waste-to-energy Paiwera Recycle Plant near the Mangapiko Stream in Te Awamutu has joined objectors in welcoming the news the decision will be made by a board of inquiry.
Project director Adam Fletcher and CEO Roger Wilson – Photo Benjamin Wilson
Minister for the Environment Penny Simmonds acquiesced to Waikato Regional Council’s request to call in the resource consent applications by Hamilton-based Global Contracting Solutions (GCS) to build and operate the plant in Racecourse Road.
Penny Simmonds
The decision was announced by Waipā District Council on Friday after it and the regional council received a letter from Simmonds the previous week.
In her letter, Simmonds said she considered the proposal to be of national significance.
“The matters have aroused widespread public concern or interest regarding its actual or likely effect on the environment. The matters involve or is likely to involve technology, processes, or methods that are new to New Zealand and affect its environment,” she said.
“In reaching my decision, I considered the views of the applicant, and the relevant local authorities, the capacity of the local authority to process the matter and the recommendations of the Environmental Protection Authority.”
The project is opposed by members of the Te Awamutu and Kihikihi Community Board, environmental groups Go Eco and Zero Waste Network and resident group Don’t Burn Waipā.
Go Eco’s spokesperson Kelli Pike hoped the board of inquiry would ensure consistency in the treatment of other incinerator proposals around the country.
“There has been huge community opposition to the proposal in Te Awamutu, raising concerns for the environment, their livelihoods and public health,” she said.
“We hope that the process that follows, includes their voice.”
She said Go Eco would like to see local authorities invest in community operated resource recovery centres, like Xtreme Zero Waste in Whaingaroa.
“They have a high diversion rate from landfill, create more employment opportunities and are consistent with a low carbon future.”
Protest in Te Awamutu
Zero Waste Network Aotearoa spokesperson Sue Coutts described the move as “a really good next step”.
“We are really happy to hear that the minister has made that call. The main thing is for it to be properly considered,” she said.
Coutts feared emissions from the proposed plant would release dioxins, heavy metals and sulphur dioxide that could prove harmful to human health.
The Barnyard Early Childhood Education Centre owner Michelle Cummings welcomed the announcement.
The building and operation of a waste-to-energy plant in the same road as her business would impact her.
“It just seems a stupid place to put it, right in the middle of town,” she said. “Fresh air is quite important.”
Don’t Burn Waipā, also welcomed the decision and through secretary Nick Cantlon acknowledged “those who joined us on protest marches, came along to community meetings, wrote to MPs, wrote to the paper, bought signs and tee shirts and made written submissions. Those efforts have paid off”.
The application includes requests for discharges to air and water. The proposed plant is expected to incinerate around 150,000 tonnes of waste annually which will be used to generate electricity from steam.
GCS applied to the regional council for resource consent in December 2021.
“We are pleased a decision has finally been made,” said GCS project director Adam Fletcher.
“We are pleased that we will get to put our side of the story, and others will have the opportunity to put their side across.”
Fletcher said the application complied with all international standards “by a long margin”.
Protesters in Te Awamutu.
If it goes ahead, the plant will include a cafeteria, visitor education centre, e-bike charging stations, and walkway with feature windows.
According to the Companies Register, Global Contracting Solutions sole director Craig Vernon Tuhoro owns 66 per cent of company shares with the balance belonging to Global Metal Trustee Ltd. Tuhoro is a director of Global Metal Trustee Ltd along with Robyn Ann Blake.
The board of inquiry must include three to five members including an appointee nominated by the Waikato River Authority.
The Environmental Protection Agency will publicly notify the Minister’s direction and will commence the planning and arrangements for a revised submission and hearings process.
The date of the inquiry has not yet been set.
