Waihi North Project: Assessment of Terrestrial Ecological Values & Effects 62138 WNP AEE 1 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OceanaGold (New Zealand) Ltd (OGNZL) is proposing the Waihi North Project (WNP) to extend the life of its Waihi operation. The project includes: • Gladstone Open Pit (GOP) • Northern Rock Stack (NRS) • Tailings Storage Facility 3 (TSF3) • Upgrades to the existing Processing Plant and Water Treatment Plant • Wharekirauponga Underground Mine (WKP) (not addressed in this report) This report outlines the existing terrestrial ecological values of the proposed project area, identifies how ecological values may be impacted, and recommends mitigation where appropriate. Ecological Context This assessment relates to the components of the WNP that occur within a modified rural landscape and comprises property blocks held by OGNZL and other private landowners around the operation. Terrestrial ecology values within the survey area are associated with exotic forestry, regenerating mixed scrub, and a range of native plantings undertaken through time by OGNZL. One Significant Natural Area (SNA) within the Project area, is SNA 166, which comprises two fragments of regenerating native and exotic vegetation. Effects The main effects of the WNP are associated with removal of low to moderate value vegetation and habitats, which are predominantly planted (native and plantation). Vegetation removal to construct the WNP is expected to result in loss of common native flora and fauna, increased edge effects, and reduced connectivity between these planted or regenerating habitats. Threatened and ‘At Risk’ species expected to be affected by the proposal include kauri (Agathis australis), pōhutukawa (Metrosideros excelsa), kānuka (Kunzea robusta) and mānuka (Leptospermum scoparium), which are generally associated with planting mixtures throughout the WNP, and remain common and widespread throughout their natural ranges. ‘At Risk’ copper skinks are expected to be affected where they occur, including within largely planted habitats at the proposed Gladstone Open Pit (GOP). Gladstone Open Pit The expected low-level effects of the GOP on ecological values are associated with the permanent removal of 6.5 ha of predominantly rotation harvest pine and native plantings that provide habitat. These effects would include permanent loss of vegetation and habitats, and potential mortality to common native birds and ‘At Risk’ copper skinks. Northern Rock Stack The expected low-level effects of the NRS on ecological values are associated with the permanent removal of approximately 9.1 ha of planted restoration and rotation harvest pine to enable construction. These effects would include permanent loss of vegetation and habitats of common native birds. Some loss of riparian connectivity between the two fragments of SNA 166 would occur, however the terrestrial ecology values are low, given that most of the native plantings are 10-20 years old.
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