Boffa Miskell Ltd | Waihi North Project | Landscape and Visual Effects | 9 land beyond stream margins is typically divided into rectangular field pattern which results in a high level of modification with very little natural character. No outstanding natural features or landscapes were identified within this landscape unit. 3.3 Summary of Context and Character The project area spans three defined landscapes, namely the Coromandel Range, the Foothills of the Coromandel Range and the primary production lowlands around Waihi. Portions of the project occur beneath the Coromandel Range which encompasses the Coromandel Forest Park and is recognised as part of an outstanding natural landscape. This landscape is characterised as a unique volcanic mountain range which demonstrates rolling hills and steep deeply incised topography and “V” shaped valleys. These recognisable and highly visible landforms are extensively covered in vegetation, notably semi-mature native forest in particular, which illustrates a largely homogenous quality. The land cover of the Coromandel Forest Park contains indigenous forest which cloaks and characterises much of this landscape. Previous forestry and mining activities and resultant tram routes, Kauri dams and historic tracks are also established in the context of this area and influence established natural and cultural associations. Various waterbodies influence the project area, and these vary in quality, influenced by the land uses they are set within. The land cover of the Willows Road site is predominantly exotic pasture with shelterbelt planting and some remnant riparian vegetation along the various tributaries of the Mataura Stream. The topography of the project area is influenced by the lowlands, foothills and ranges that define the surrounding context. The adjoining topography of the Willows Road site reduces in elevation from west to east and forms gradual rolling hills and valleys which then meet the Coromandel Range. This area is characterised by moderate to steep landforms with areas of pasture and stands of predominantly exotic shelterbelts and forestry. The predominant land use comprises of grazing with stream valleys draining into nearby rivers. Further south, the landform associated with Waihi includes primary production areas and a broad range of modified landform features including Martha Pit. The existing character of Waihi and its surrounding landscape is influenced by established mining activity including activity established within the Martha Mineral Zone. Despite the physical proximity of the mine, views of mining activity are limited from the adjacent urban areas. Elevated rounded landforms to the east contain the existing Processing Plant and rise above surrounding flat and undulating rural and urban areas. This area of landscape also accommodates existing tailings storage facilities against a larger vegetated backdrop. The floodplain of the Ohinemuri River also exists in the production lowlands and opens out to form a broad open basin north of the Kaimai Range. The land cover surrounding the urban area of Waihi and established mining activity is predominantly associated with rural activity, typically comprising exotic pasture, clumps of exotic trees, shelter belts and scattered orchards. Native vegetation is also established along some of the steeper volcanic hill slopes and along the margins of the Ohinemuri River (the latter voluntarily planted primarily by OGNZL). 4.0 Statutory Planning Context 4.1 The Conservation Act The Coromandel Forest Park beneath which the proposed WUG mine is located is classified Conservation Park in terms of Section 19 of the Conservation Act. This requires that:
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