6 Boffa Miskell Ltd | Waihi North Project| Landscape and Visual Effects | Project on these, will be identified through iwi led Cultural Impact Assessments. Ngati Hako, Ngati Maru, Ngāti Tamaterā, Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki, Ngāti Rāhiri Tumutumu, Ngāti Tara Tokanui and Ngāti Whanaunga are formally recognised within this project area2. 3.2.1 Waikato Regional Landscape Assessment (2010) The Waikato Regional Landscape Assessment was completed in 2010 and is split in to two parts. ‘Part A’ identifies eight “landscape types” across the region. Each landscape type identifies “a broadly defined landscape area that has a recognisable pattern of physical elements. Variations in geology and soils, landform, land use and vegetation, and settlement patterns give rise to different landscapes each with its own distinctive character and unique sense of place.” The landscape type relevant to the project is the “Eastern Ranges”, which focuses on the Coromandel and Kaimai Ranges. Part B builds upon Part A and provides the context for the identification of special landscapes and an understanding of the degree or level of natural character in the area. This includes the identification of Outstanding Natural Features and Landscapes extracts from which are included in Appendix 3. 3.2.1.1 The Eastern Ranges – Landscape Type The character of this landscape type is determined by the “massive volcanic features which form a strong and distinctive backbone to the Coromandel Peninsula” and are a strong visual backdrop to the Hauraki Plains. The area is described as having a series of very impressive peaks, pinnacles and rocky outcrops that are highly visible. The landscape comprises of steep and deeply incised topography with gorges and “V” shaped valleys. The Eastern Ranges are characterised by a significant portion of forest cover which provides a sense of wilderness and remoteness. The Waikato Landscape Assessment acknowledges that the main pressures on the landscape include the potential effects of mining, quarrying, and the spread of exotic forestry and pasture over the ranges on land not in public ownership. 3.2.1.2 Coromandel Range and Moehau Range – Outstanding Natural Feature and landscapes (ONFL 5)3 The Coromandel and Moehau Ranges contain a number of blocks administered by the Department of Conservation. This is referred to collectively as the Coromandel Forest Park and recognised as an outstanding natural feature and landscape (ONFL) at the regional scale. The Waikato Regional Landscape Assessment describes the Moehau and Coromandel Ranges as a series of massive extent volcanic landforms, which form a series of very impressive peaks, pinnacles, and rocky outcrops which can be seen from all over the peninsula, including Castle Rock and Table Mountain. The skyline of the ranges is described as unique to the Coromandel and as the backdrop for literally hundreds of views from roads and settlements within the Thames-Coromandel District and further afield including Auckland and north. The Waikato Regional Landscape Assessment also describes the ranges which contain Coromandel Forest Park as having a steep deeply incised landform with gorges and ‘V’ shaped valleys running through them. They have an almost complete cover of native forest except for some large areas of pine plantations. It also notes that the bush varies in quality from very mature high-quality forest to forest that has been regenerating for approximately 20 years. The broader ranges are also described as having a wild and remote quality, and in places very high natural character. The description also notes that features of the Coromandel Forest Park include not only its varied plant life and native birds, but also reminders of the early history under European 2 Source: https://www.tkm.govt.nz/ 3 Waikato Regional Landscape Assessment (2010), Part B, Page 57
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