Consultation and Consenting

Consulting and communicating with the local community and other stakeholders has been a key part of the process to consent the proposed Weston cement plant and associated quarries and pits.

February 2007
The company applies for resource consents to operate the proposed Weston cement plant and associated quarries and pits.

August 2007
A joing hearing involving both the councils (Otago Regional Council and Waitaki District Council) commences.  Three independent commissioners are appointed to the panel hearing the resource consent applications.

November 2007
Commissioners announce an interim decision saying they are minded to grant all consents subject to the wording of a range of conditions.

February 2008
A final decision is received granting all 46 consents sought, with a range of conditions relating to construction and operation of the plant and associated sites.

March-May 2009
The decision is appealed to the Environment Court.  Holcim appeals some of the conditions set in the consent decision.  The hearing is heard by an Environment Court Judge assisted by an Environmental Commissioner and Deputy Environment Commissioner.

August 2009
The Environment Court decision grants Holcim New Zealand all consents it requires to operate a cement plant and associated quarries and pits near Weston.  These consents are granted with a range of conditions.

Comprehensive Consultation

Since 2006 when the company first announced its investigation of Weston as a possible new plant site, it has undertaken comprehensive and open consultation and communication with the local community and other stakeholders.

This has included an initial social effects assessment, numerous opportunities for people to comment on the Weston proposal during the initial consultative stages, and further opportunities during the submission and hearing processes.  Communication with stakeholders has included regular newsletters, advertorials in local newspapers, information sheets on technical reports, background on the formal resource consenting process, website information and access to further details through an 0800 number and email address.