Protecting our environment
We’re proposing a range of ways to offset the quarry expansion outside the quarry site. In the early stages of planning for the expansion, we’re talking with adjacent and nearby neighbours about how we can work together to protect native species and restore surrounding natural areas in their properties.
Tree and riparian planting
Since the last major expansion of the quarry, 3.6 hectares of significant native forest has been protected in the southern part of the site. Thousands of eco-sourced indigenous trees have also been planted within the site.
To make way for the quarry expansion, the existing visual bund and native planting near the quarry’s Waingaro Road entrance, will eventually be removed. We’re proposing to plant trees along the road as a natural buffer before the bund is removed. We’re also investigating how native riparian planting along tributaries of Firewood Creek could happen outside of the quarry site in neighbouring properties.
Waterway enhancements
As part of a previous expansion at the quarry, a new wetland environment along with a man-made fish passage and underground pipe diverting a natural stream were created to protect local waterways. The underground pipe has been working well and recent surveys have shown that native fish species such as giant kōkopu have been using the stream diversion pipe.
Streams
We’re proposing to “daylight” the current piped stream and instead revert back to a natural stream environment around the perimeter of the quarry. By removing the current pipe and diverting the stream around the working area to connect with a tributary of Firewood Creek, a new and improved habitat for native flora and fauna will be created. This new stream habitat will ensure continued fish passage for species like the giant kōkopu.
The expansion would require a small section of natural stream to be diverted along the edge of the quarry. This stream diversion would be protected from any quarry activities, planted with native riparian plants and designed to mimic a natural stream.
Wetlands
The existing wetland system won’t be affected by the quarry expansion and has sufficient capacity to continue collecting and treating both runoff and process water from the proposed quarry expansion. This water can be reused onsite to reduce the site’s water take or fully treated before it is safely discharged into local waterways.
Pest and predator control
We’ll continue our comprehensive pest and predator control programme for Waingaro Quarry as part of the proposed expansion.
Hundreds of pests like rats, possums and stoats are eliminated annually from our site and surrounding areas, including part of Hakarimata Scenic Reserve.
New recycling yard proposed
As part of our expansion proposal, we’re making plans to establish a new construction material recycling function within the quarry site.
The material recycling yard will support the local construction industry and contractors to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill and promote more sustainable, low-cost construction material options.
Construction waste like concrete, milled asphalt, sand, topsoil, clay and rock from construction sites could be recycled and repurposed.
The yard will use machinery like loaders, excavators and a mobile crusher. Under cover storage for 2,000 tonne of processed products like crushed concrete and millings will be required.