The National Environment Service (NES) has received three new Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) permit applications for public consultation.

Implementing their new communication strategy, NES manager of environmental compliance, Vavia Tangatataia, is pleased to provide information regarding the EIA applications through multiple media channels to ensure a good outreach in the community. Tangatataia reiterated the vital importance of public consultation and engagement in the EIA process to fulfil their mandated obligations of protecting the environment.

The three EIA applicants are Michael Connal, Teariki Taia Short, and Ngatupuna Rere.

Connal’s application seeks permission for Property Coastal Protection at his foreshore property in Tikioki to safeguard the vulnerable area. Short’s application is also for Property Coastal Protection at his foreshore property in Vaimaanga.

Both Connal and Short propose constructing a rock revetment wall on their respective foreshores. These walls will be 18 metres long and 3 metres high, made of volcanic basalt rock boulders ranging from 1.2 to 2.4 tons in weight.

Both properties suffered significant coastal damage during the July 2022 high seas event. Intermittent wave-swell warnings further emphasise the need to protect them from future coastal impacts.

Connal and Short, along with Short’s father, Tuingariki Short (whose adjacent property is also affected), intend to privately fund their respective coastal protection works to ensure their properties’ safety and minimise further erosion.

Tuingariki Short received environmental consent from the NES on August 14, 2023, to complete 11 metres of his 34-metre-long rock revetment wall. This work has been delayed to coincide with his son’s project.

Ngatupuna Rere’s application is for the construction of a dwelling house in Takuvaine, on Land - Matiekura Part Section 110. Rere’s proposed location is within the Takuvaine wetland area near Tauae Store.

All three EIA Reports (Connal, Teariki Taia Short, and Rere) detail the project stages, emergency and infrastructure requirements, and manage the impacts on key areas such as land, waste, erosion control, hazards, and risks.

The EIA Reports are available on the NES website, with hard copies at the NES office. Additional notifications will be made via NES’s Facebook page, e-newsletter, and public notice in print media.

Members of the public can submit their opinions on the EIA Permit Applications by writing to NES by February 19, 2024.

An EIA Permit allows activities, projects, or developments with potentially significant environmental impact to proceed.