EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Waihi North mining project would extend the life of OceanaGold New Zealand Limited’s mining operations near Waihi beyond 2030. The type, magnitude and recommendations to manage any adverse effects on biodiversity arising from that proposal are addressed in a comprehensive set of technical reports from independent experts. Beyond addressing unavoidable adverse effects of the proposed mining development, OceanaGold New Zealand Limited believes that the Waihi North project has the potential to deliver a clear benefit for biodiversity in the southern Coromandel. This document sets out some preliminary detail relating to a proposed “Waihi North Biodiversity Project” which is an initiative intended to provide a demonstrable biodiversity benefit in addition to any avoidance, mitigation, remediation or offset which might arise from the Waihi North proposal. The information provided is conceptual and suitable for consultation with stakeholders and interested parties so that the initiative can be further refined collaboratively. The proposed Waihi North Biodiversity Project would involve control of stoats, possums, feral cats, goats and deer over approximately 18,870ha located on public conservation land immediately north of Waihi. Within the management area a more intensively controlled “core area” is proposed comprising approximately 1300ha which would include all of the Otahu Ecological Area (c. 655ha) and immediately surrounding areas. Within the core area the species listed above would be controlled as well as rats, hedgehogs, pigs and perhaps mice. The Waihi North Biodiversity Project is large enough that a variety of biodiversity benefits would accrue for a range of species and habitats typical of the Waihi Ecological District and southern Coromandel generally. The specific details (including the name, goals and objectives) of the project are to be developed in consultation with partners and stakeholders using this document as a starting point for discussion.
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