3-AD006.00 SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT WAIHI NORTH PROJECT Oceana Gold New Zealand Limited WSP June 2022 49 Likelihood Unlikely Unlikely Significance Low Low 6.2.7 CHANGE IN SENSE OF PLACE Sense of place is a social construct of individuals and communities and their interaction within the landscape in which people live and work, creating a unique identity for a geographic area. Sense of place includes consideration of aspects such as social cohesion and a sense of community. Mining is core to the identity of Waihi and the community is proud of the town’s mining history. Both historical and present-day mining operations are very much part of the character of the town of Waihi, which is branded as “New Zealand’s Heart of Gold”. Many people who live in Waihi have a direct or indirect connection to the mine, either as a current employee, an owner of a business that benefits from the mine’s presence, or someone whose grandfather worked in the mine many years ago. The current mining operation is as much part of the character of the town as is the mining history, with sports events and activities taking place alongside and even within operating mining areas. It was evident from engaging with Waihi community members that many of them actively contribute to community life and invest time and effort into initiatives that enhance the facilities and community environment in and around the town. There are two distinct geographic areas associated with the proposed WNP which have been considered in the context of sense of place: Willows Road and Surrounds: Willows Road is located approximately 5 km outside of Waihi Town in a rural environment characterised by farming activities. The proposed construction and operation of the Willows Road SFA required to support the WUG will result in the introduction of mining related activities into an area not characterised by this type of activity. This location is considered the most likely to experience a change in sense of place. Waihi Town: Mining is such an integral part of Waihi Town. Historic and present-day mining is very much part of the towns character; as such, the expansion of the existing mining operations represents the continuation of activities that align strongly with the town’s unique identity. The proposed WNP will not result in a change in the sense of place of Waihi town, and as such this is not assessed further. Impact Description: The construction, operation and decommissioning of the Willows Road SFA to support the WUG will change the nature of the Willows Road area with the introduction of new activities associated with mining that are in contrast with the current environment. As sense of place refers to the personal connection to an area, the change in character will affect some people more than others. For some individuals, who have a deep connection to the area, the change will be significant and for others they will be able to accept the change more readily and there will be little change to the way they live and work.
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