72 Boffa Miskell Ltd | Waihi North Project| Landscape and Visual Effects | Accordingly, once mitigation as identified has been established any adverse cumulative visual effects will be moderate-low. 12.0 Effects in relation to Statutory Provisions 12.1 RMA s.6a Effects on Natural Character Within the Coromandel Forest Park, the potential for natural character effects are addressed by the nature of underground mining and largely avoid any direct surface water effects. Where natural elements and influences remain dominant, including the Wharekirauponga and part of the Mataura Stream flowing out of the Forest Park, the project avoids significant adverse effects and includes measures to mitigate potential effects through enhancing the upper reaches of the Mataura Stream. The greatest potential for natural character effects primarily occur in the context of more modified watercourses supporting an existing working rural context. In such areas, man-made elements / influences are more dominant, and the nature of mining activity as proposed is not considered inappropriate. Given the avoidance of significant adverse effects in addition to effective remediation which includes ecological compensation and enhancements to tributaries of the Mataura Stream, Ohinemuri River and Ruahorehore Stream, the project enables natural character within this broader landscape to be preserved. 12.2 RMA s. 6b: Effects on aesthetic, cultural and intrinsic values of recognised ONL The limited construction and use of up to four vent shafts within the Coromandel Forest Park to enable the operation of an underground mine will largely avoid the potential for adverse effects on recognised aesthetic and intrinsic values associated with the identified ONL. Biophysical aspects including important ecological values are primarily associated with native fauna and flora and will be protected through careful site selection of vent shaft locations. In perceptual and associative terms, the extremely limited areas affected by this activity will essentially remain isolated within the context of this broader undeveloped backdrop. Once established, vent raises will remain wholly subservient to recognised values, including avoiding impacts on the surrounding extensive vegetation cover, prominent ridgelines and sensitive views. During operation and following completion, this landscape will retain its distinctive ‘backbone’ to the Coromandel Peninsula. It will retain its aesthetic coherence, remain highly legible and expressive of its formative processes and maintain its fundamental wild and scenic associations. For the above reasons it is considered that the proposed mining beneath this area of the Coromandel Forest Park, including the construction and operation of up to four shaft raises, can occur in a way that protects recognised aesthetic, cultural and intrinsic values, consistent with avoiding inappropriate use and development. This outcome acknowledges that such landscapes will continue to evolve over time, however the overriding values and characteristics will remain both natural and outstanding. Recommendations which inform suitable consent conditions in this regard are set out in Section 8 of this report.
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