Our planners led the environmental effects assessment and resource consenting process, compiling the technical reports and preparing the application documentation. Working closely with the technical experts and our client, Meridian Energy, consent was granted with no subsequent appeals, which was a notable achievement for a development of this scale and nature in such a sensitive natural environment.

Resource consent was granted in December 2004 with no appeals. Construction began in March 2006 and White Hill became operational in 2007. One of the conditions of consent related to the potential assessment of effects on the New Zealand falcon.

Boffa Miskell ecologists designed an on-going bird monitoring programme for White Hill, which was carried out from 2005-2017. It focused on the New Zealand falcon, which is a threatened species, and began before construction to understand flight patterns and behaviour. Monitoring continued after the turbines were operational so that any changes in falcon behaviour or survival would be recorded and remedial action taken if necessary.