8 Boffa Miskell Ltd | Waihi North Project| Landscape and Visual Effects | Biophysical • The Coromandel Ranges landform creates a distinctive backbone to the Coromandel Peninsula. • The area is principally occupied with high quality indigenous flora and fauna and is within a Significant Natural Area (SNA). • Relatively high species richness given the area’s history of modification and complex environment of soil, topographic, altitudinal and bio-climactic gradients present. • Habitat for several unique species (at-risk declining) including Hochstetter’s and Archey’s Frog and Elegant and Forest Gecko. Perceptual • Sequence of steeply and deeply incised landforms and peaks clearly express its formative volcanic processes • The almost complete native forest cover maintains a coherent natural backdrop with no apparent modification on its upper slopes. • A highly vivid and memorable green backdrop and skyline. • Transient opportunities to experience wildlife reinforce wild and remote scenic qualities. Associative • The skyline and ranges form the backdrop recognised from literally hundreds of views from roads and settlements. • Previous forestry and mining activities and resultant tram routes, Kauri dams, mining artifacts and historic tracks influence established natural and cultural associations. • Sites of significance to tāngata whenua including, important local landmarks Ngapuketurua (“the many beautiful hills”), urupā and rare ecosystem that have a very unique wairua and mauri5. The above assessment and values concur with recognition of the Coromandel Forest Park as an Outstanding Natural Landscape. 3.2.1.2 Foothills of the Coromandel Range The foothills of the Coromandel Range extend to the west and north-east of Waihi following the alignment of part of the Ohinemuri River. This landscape character unit is described as a combination of moderate to steep landforms with pasture, sizable clumps of exotic forestry and native forest in gullies and on some higher slopes. The foothills are backed by higher landforms covered in native forest with pasture generally sited on the mid and higher slopes. The land-use is predominantly grazing with stream valleys draining into nearby rivers. The landscape evaluation associated with the foothills of the Coromandel Range concluded that there are no outstanding natural features in this landscape whilst noting that there are a number of distinctive features including the small volcanic peaks in the foothills in the area to the east of Waihi. 3.2.1.3 Primary Production Lowlands Around Waihi The primary production lowlands around Waihi extend from the south-east of the township. The landform of this landscape unit is flat to rolling with pasture, clumps of exotic trees and shelter belts, horticultural lots surrounded by hedges and glasshouses. Streams also meander throughout rural areas, some with scattered exotic and native vegetation along the banks. The 5 Ngāti Tara Tokanui Ngati Trust (2022) Cultural Values Assessment in Relation to Waihi North Project.
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