The board of inquiry will assess the project under the Resource Management Act
The government has established a board of inquiry to evaluate the Te Awamutu waste-to-energy proposal, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds announced.
Judge Brian Dwyer of the Environment Court will chair the board and lead a team of skilled professionals tasked with assessing the project under the Resource Management Act (RMA).
Dwyer was appointed to the Environment Court in 2006. He was admitted to the bar in 1973 and is based in the Wellington Registry of the Environment Court. Before his appointment, he was the Marlborough District Law Society's President from 1990 to 1991. He also served on the Marlborough Health Trust, St Mary's School Board of Trustees and the Marlborough Rugby Football Union Executive. As counsel to the Marlborough District Council since 1992, his work involved him in all aspects of resource management practice. He has also been an independent hearings commissioner for local authorities in Kaikoura, Nelson and Marlborough.
In a statement, Simmonds said, “With a long and distinguished career, Judge Dwyer brings deep legal expertise in resource management and judicial processes, with previous experience in inquiries with high levels of public interest. He will lead the board of inquiry with integrity and insight.”
Joining Dwyer are Nicholas Manukau, an accredited RMA hearings commissioner, and Myles McCauley, an air quality specialist with over 25 years of experience. Together, they form a board that Simmonds described as “a well-rounded group with the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to evaluate this application thoroughly and in line with the requirements of the Resource Management Act.”
The board of inquiry’s primary task is to consider public submissions on the Te Awamutu waste-to-energy proposal and ultimately make a decision on whether the project will proceed. The inquiry process ensures transparency and public involvement, allowing stakeholders to voice concerns or support for the project.
Waste-to-energy projects have been a topic of significant interest, given their potential environmental and economic impacts. The Te Awamutu proposal will undergo scrutiny to determine its alignment with environmental standards, resource management policies, and community needs.
The board’s term will conclude once it has fulfilled its responsibilities under the RMA. Public engagement is a key component of the process, with submissions playing a crucial role in shaping the board’s considerations and final decision.
