3-AD006.00 SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT WAIHI NORTH PROJECT Oceana Gold New Zealand Limited WSP June 2022 38 The WNP requires labour for the construction and operation of specific components of the project as well as general and administrative functions. With a relatively high unemployment rate and proportion of the young population who are not employed, the WNP provides an opportunity to reduce local unemployment. Local employment was a key theme that emerged during the interviews undertaken. Those interviews stated that there are challenges in meeting current labour supply requirements. Local job creation is supported, and it was stated that there should be an emphasis on upskilling already resident labour, and school leavers should be targeted. It was noted that unemployment in Waihi is associated with the long-term unemployed. The group aged 18-30 years old are mostly affected and this would be a useful pool of labour. This group can be difficult to motivate, they have challenges passing alcohol and drug tests, and have no drivers’ licences. Life coaching and support is needed to secure and maintain employment. The WNP was identified as a great opportunity for employment and upskilling, which has the potential to result in increased incomes and overall improved wellbeing. Respondents to the Maptionnaire survey were asked what the impact on others would be if the project did not go ahead, and the largest group of responses (38%) identified employment as the most significant impact. The WNP presents an opportunity for employment for unemployed working age individuals living in Waihi and the local area; the upskilling of existing employed people; and provides a vocational pathway for school leavers. Mining jobs in Waihi are well paid for the location, with the average annual salary paid being over $100,000, compared to a median personal income of $30,000 in Waihi (Economic Assessment, 2022). The proposed WNP provides the opportunity for high value jobs. An increase in local employment will result in social upliftment both at an individual and community level. Employment provides social and economic stability to individuals and their families resulting in an overall positive effect on the community as a whole. Impact Description: The WNP requires an average direct workforce of 292 FTEs over the life of the project which spans approximately 17 years (2022 – 2038). During the height of the construction phase (2024) the total direct workforce will peak at 514 employees and a second peak during the operational phase of an average of 417 employees will occur over the 2031 and 2032 period (Appendix D). The skills profile for a typical year (2030) during the operational life of the project is illustrated in Table 10. Approximately 87% of the workforce falls within the categories of general labour, skilled operators, and trades, with the remaining 13% made up of supervisory, technician, professional and managerial staff. Some of the skills required are specialised and experienced roles. The opportunity to reduce local unemployment is most likely to be met in the general labour and trades categories which are less specialised, and the workforce requirements are higher. Impact Statement Through the provision of employment opportunities over the construction and operational phase, the WNP presents an opportunity to reduce unemployment in the local area. This will provide economic and social stability to individuals, their families, and the broader local community over a
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