3. TE URUROA FLAVELL (Māori Party—Waiariki) Link to this
to the Minister for the Environment
What are the “national significance” factors that prompted him to call in the application filed by Unison Networks Limited to establish a wind farm near the Te Waka Range in Hawke’s Bay?
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN (Deputy Prime Minister) Link to this
The criteria on which I made the decision are listed under section 141B(2) of the Resource Management Act 1991, which includes consideration that the proposal could assist with New Zealand meeting its obligations under the Kyoto Protocol by reducing carbon dioxide emissions overall on a national scale.
Te Ururoa Flavell Link to this
What concerns has he received from Ngāti Hineuru and Ngāti Tū regarding the proposed wind farm of up to 44 turbines in the vicinity of the Te Waka Range?
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN Link to this
Ngāti Hineuru and Ngāti Tū will be able to make submissions to the Environment Court, because the matter is being referred to the Environment Court. The member will be aware that a previous application was rejected by the Environment Court, and that is another reason why it is sensible not to go through the Hastings District Council again. The council approved it and sought to have the matter called in and referred on.
Russell Fairbrother Link to this
Has the Minister seen any comments on approaches to reducing emissions on a national scale?
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN Link to this
Yes, indeed I have. Just within the last few days I have seen reports that National’s transport spokesperson—
Hon Dr Nick Smith Link to this
I raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. The question that has been asked is well outside the primary question. The primary question was specifically about a wind farm and the resource consent process. The question from Mr Fairbrother is a very generic question about emissions that should probably be directed at the Minister responsible for Climate Change Issues, and it is certainly well outside the primary question.
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN Link to this
Supplementary questions may arise out of the answer given by Ministers, and I refer to the phrase in my answer “reducing carbon dioxide emissions overall on a national scale.”
Madam SPEAKERYes, I think that that is correct, given the nature of the answer. I also take Dr Smith’s point, however, as the question was phrased. But the Minister is free to give the answer and supplementary questions may come as a result of that.
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN Link to this
Yes, I have seen reports and comments that imply, first of all, that global warming is not occurring—indeed, global cooling is occurring, according to Dr Lockwood Smith—
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN Link to this
We know that it is not true, but Dr Lockwood Smith does not know that. I have also seen reports that Mr Maurice Williamson refused to comment on climate change; he wanted to stay a member of the National Party.
Te Ururoa Flavell Link to this
Is the Minister aware that Unison Networks has already gone through the process of appealing the decision of the Environment Court to the High Court and now to the Court of Appeal on an almost identical application, thereby exhausting local opponents to the scheme; and what leverage does he have as Minister to ensure that the Resource Management Act process is protected from abuse?
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN Link to this
Unison Networks is perfectly able to submit a new application and to have that application considered. Calling in an application and referring it directly to the Environment Court, of course, actually reduces costs for those who wish to oppose the project, whereas if the matter had gone to the Hastings District Council and hearings had been there, had perhaps been approved there, and had then gone on to the Environment Court, there would have been two stages at that point, which would have involved both Ngāti Hineuru and Ngāti Tū in terms of additional cost.