IN THE MATTER of the Resource Management Act 1991
AND
IN THE MATTER of a notice of requirement by TOP ENERGY LIMITED and applications by NGAWHA GENERATION LIMITED to the FAR NORTH DISTRICT COUNCIL and the NORTHLAND REGIONAL COUNCIL for resource consents required for the continued operation of the Ngawha Geothermal Power Station in connection with the expansion of that power station via the Ngawha Expansion Project
SUBMISSION OF KAIKOHE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION IN SUPPORT OF
NGAWHA EXPANSION PROJECT
To: Far North District Council
Memorial Avenue
Private Bag 752
Kaikohe 0440
Northland Regional Council
Private Bag 9021
Whāngārei Mail Centre
Whāngārei 0148
1. This is a submission in support of the notice of requirement by TOP ENERGY LIMITED and resource consent applications by NGAWHA GENERATION LIMITED to authorise continued operation of the Ngawha Geothermal Power Stations and the Ngawha Expansion Project (“Project”) near Ngawha Springs.
2. This submission relates to all aspects of the Project.
3. The Kaikohe Business Association strongly supports the Project for the reasons outlined below.
(a) The Kaikohe Business Association agrees that the Ngawha geothermal resource discovered by Kareariki is a taonga for all of Ngapuhi. Therefore the Association is encouraged to see the continuation of the original joint venture between Bay of Islands Electric Power Board and the Taitokerau Maori Trust Board move further forward under findings and recommendations of the Waitangi Tribunal Report (Wai 304) Ngawha Geothermal Resource Report 1993. This proposed development has potential to benefit Ngapuhi and Northlanders and in particular, Kaikohe. The taonga below the surface should be managed as a renewable energy source and Top Energy as consumer owned company is best positioned to work with Ngapuhi to make this a reality.
(b) The Kaikohe Business Association supports the submission as a result of the many benefits that the Project will provide as noted in the assessment of environmental effects (“AEE”) lodged in support of the application (page 20 and following).
(c) The Proposed Ngawha Expansion would provide much-needed additional generation capacity for Northland - at total capacity, the Ngawha Expansion Project will be sufficient to meet all of the Far North District electricity demand and to supply electricity to the rest of the Northland Region. This will reduce reliance on generation sources south of Auckland and reduce transmission loses.
(d) In addition to producing additional of electricity, the Project will produce a heat resource that could be utilised in complementary business development opportunities such as wood processing, dairy milk processing, horticulture and aquaculture, this promoting much-needed economic growth and creating employment opportunities.
(e) The Project will generate greater dividend returns to the Top Energy Consumer Trust, which in turn generates a greater amount of line charge discounts that directly benefits the regional community.
(f) The Project will provide for the use and development of renewable energy consistent with the National Policy Statement for Renewable Electricity Generation 2011. In comparison to common types of renewable energy, such as hydro-electric and wind power generation, the geothermal energy from the Proposal will be reliable and constant and will reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
4. Kaikohe Business Association seek that the consents be granted and that a recommendation is made to confirm the notice of requirement.
5. Kaikohe Business Association wish to be heard in support of this submission.
_____________________________
Michael W Shaw 18
th March 2015
Address for service of submitter:
Fax/email: mikes@kcs.school.nz
Contact person: Mike Shaw; Secretary