3-AD006.00 SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT WAIHI NORTH PROJECT Oceana Gold New Zealand Limited WSP June 2022 14 4. METHODOLOGY 4.1 ASSESSMENT FRAMEWORK SIA is a supporting tool for decision making, and is defined by the International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA) as: “The process of analysing, monitoring and managing the intended and unintended social consequences, both positive and negative, of planned interventions (policies, programs, plans, projects) and any social change processes invoked by those interventions. Its primary purpose is to bring about a more sustainable and equitable biophysical and human environment” (www.iaia.org/). The IAIA identifies that the following principle is key to all SIA studies, regardless of the different context or purpose for which they are being undertaken: “The improvement of social wellbeing of the wider community should be explicitly recognised as an objective of planned interventions and as such should be an indicator considered by any form of assessment. However, awareness of the differential distribution of impacts among different groups in society, and particular the impact burden experienced by vulnerable groups in the community should always be of prime concern” (www.iaia.org/). This framework is well recognised in New Zealand and internationally, and it provides a sound and robust framework for the identification and assessment of social effects. 4.2 METHODOLOGY OVERVIEW The SIA process comprises of a number of steps that are largely sequential (Figure 7). The process is an iterative one of validation and update as new information arises and preliminary understandings are confirmed or clarified. Figure 7: SIA Methodology Overview The process starts with scoping the issues and the context in which the project is taking place, followed by the prediction, analysis and assessment of likely impacts, and progressing to the development of mitigation strategies. Step 1: Technical Review Step 2: Baseline Data Analysis Step 3: Engagement Step 4: Impact Identification Step 5: Assessment of Impacts Step 6: Develop Mitigation
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