Mayor silences consent debate
A ‘‘dangerous’’ discussion that verged on perverting the course of justice was silenced by mayor Maureen Reynolds at a Tararua District council meeting yesterday.
In a highly unusual move, Mrs Reynolds let two Waitahora wind farm opponents sitting at the back of the meeting ask questions during council discussion.
But when the talk threatened to infringe on the future impartiality of councillors, she was forced to clamp down on the session.
The impromptu debate started when council moved to discuss the upcoming resource consent hearing for Contact Energy’s proposed $500 million Waitahora wind farm, on the Puketoi ranges.
The energy giant has made joint resource consent applications to both the Tararua council and Horizons regional council for the 177-megawatt farm.
These have been strongly opposed by some residents.
At the meeting, it was proposed to appoint one Tararua councillor on the hearing panel, along with a Horizons representative and an independent expert.
Councillor Keith Fenemor challenged the logic of having only one Tararua representative, when the district will be the most affected.
Then, Waitahora resident Allan Ennor put his hand up.
“Is there a way we can have discussions on who is able to represent us on the panel?’’ he asked, when called upon by Mrs Reynolds.
‘‘No . . . you will be able to make submissions, and that is how you influence the process,’’ she replied.
But Cr Ennor pressed on with concerns one councillor would not be enough, and might not ask the right questions of submitters.
Council environmental services manager Mike Brown interjected, ‘‘The decision makers have to be seen to be without any influence … we are on dangerous ground here.’’
The purpose of a hearing panel is to decide if the resource consent application complies with the environmental standards set out in the resource management act and district plan, he said.
‘‘There’s no sort of political input or anything like that.’’
The independent expert was there to speed the process along, and clarify technical aspects for the other two delegates, Mr Brown said.
After the hearing is over, opposers can still appeal the decision at environment court.
The discussion was called to a close by Mrs Reynolds. The motion to appoint one Tararua councillor was passed, opposed by Cr Fenemor.
By Michelle Duff
Manawatu Standard
25 September 2008
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