Cement company's opposition to Hikurangi subdivision resolved out of court

NZ Herald

24-04-2025

Such complaints could hinder operations and future expansion of the quarry, which was a crucial source of limestone for its cement production, Golden Bay said.
At mediation in February, Golden Bay and Hika representatives reached an agreement to accept the developer's earlier offer to make provision for various covenants, including a no-complaints (reverse sensitivity) one.
The mediated agreement has since been considered and approved by Environment Court Judge Jeff Smith, who recently released details of it.
Under the no-complaints (reverse sensitivity) covenant, anyone occupying or using the subdivision will be prohibited from complaining – directly or indirectly – about Wilsonville Quarry's approved operations.
Judge Smith said he was satisfied the agreement was an appropriate response to Golden Bay's concerns.
'The agreement recognises the long-standing residential zoning of the land, in proximity to a Quarrying Resource Area and Mining Area, and the potential for effects on both the residential development and Wilsonville Quarry.'
He said the no-complaints covenant would not have been the court's preferred way of resolving the dispute. However, because it was not the main solution agreed, he would allow it.
The arrangement also included Hika agreeing to reduce the number of housing lots in the subdivision from 51 to 44 so a buffer zone could be extended between the subdivision and quarry, and to retain some natural land formations that would also have a buffering effect.
'The parties have taken a balanced approach in agreeing on changes to the [resource management] consent. Overall, I consider that the sustainable management purpose and the other relevant requirements of the [Resource Management] Act are broadly met', Judge Smith said.
The cement company did not respond to requests for comment. A spokesman for Hika said he was pleased with the outcome of the mediation. While still an expensive process, it had saved both parties the need to go through more complex and time-consuming court proceedings.
Hika has been developing land in Northland since the early 2000s.
It was hoped economic conditions would be positive enough to begin earthworks at Hikurangi this October, the company said.
The subdivision would provide affordable housing options that were badly needed and would complement one already being built by the He Puna Marama Trust to the south of the site.
The agreed buffer zone to the north would extend one that already existed near Cinder Way and would be planted in native trees, creating a park-like area that would not only be an amenity for subdivision residents but also for the wider community, the company said.
There would be a similar boundary of native trees alongside the border with State Highway 1 to visually enhance the area and to reduce traffic noise.
Each new lot will be connected to the existing WDC water main and reticulated wastewater network.
The main internal access will be via a new public road intersecting Boundary Rd.
Right-turn bays will be added to SH1 at Cinder Way and King St, with approval from NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).