Statement of Evidence in Chief of Robert James Greenaway on behalf of Meridian Energy Limited

Transcription

1 In the Environment Court Christchurch Registry ENV-2011-CHC-090 Under the Resource Management Act 1991 and in the matter of direct referral of an application for resource consents by Meridian Energy Limited in respect of the Project Hurunui wind farm proposal under section 87G of the Resource Management Act 1991 Between Meridian Energy Limited and Hurunui District Council and Canterbury Regional Council Statement of Evidence in Chief of Robert James Greenaway on behalf of Meridian Energy Limited 24 January 2011

2 Table of Contents Introduction... 1 Code of Conduct... 3 Scope of Evidence... 3 Executive Summary of Evidence... 4 Methodology and Limitations... 7 Overview of local and regional tourism and recreation values... 9 Effects of the proposal Summary Responses to Issues in Submissions Responses to Issues in Officer s Report Conclusions References Appendix A: Attachments... 47

3 Introduction 1. My full name is Robert James Greenaway. I am in practice as a consultant leisure and open space planner. I operate a private Nelson-based consultancy called Rob Greenaway & Associates and I am a Director of the Pacific-based leisure planning consortium, the Global Leisure Group Limited. 2. I graduated from Lincoln University in 1987 with a three-year Diploma in Parks and Recreation Management with Distinction, and completed 18 months of postgraduate study, generally in conservation management. 3. Between 1990 and 1995 I worked with an international tourism and recreation development consultancy, Tourism Resource Consultants Limited, on a range of large and small development and advisory projects. This included ecotourism development planning in Samoa, for potential World Heritage Sites in the Solomon Islands for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, event management, and domestic reserve, tourism and recreation management planning. 4. Between 1995 and 1997 I worked for Boffa Miskell Limited, focusing on recreation planning for local authorities and tourism development planning for private agencies. 5. Since 1997 I have worked independently. The majority of my work is for private companies, local and central government, and environmental and community agencies. Over the past five years I have prepared assessments of effect and evidence in relation to recreation and tourism for, for example, Contact Energy (Clutha River), Meridian Energy (Project Hayes, Mokihinui River, Central Wind, Waitaki River and catchment, the Manapouri hydro scheme), TrustPower (Arnold, Wairau, Patea and Matahina hydro schemes), King Country Energy (Mokau River), Bay of Plenty 1

4 Energy (Kaituna River), Darby Partners (Parkins Bay, Te Arai), Landco (Long Bay), Infinity Investments (Hillend, Peninsula Bay, Fiordland Link Experience), amongst others. I have spent time around the Te Apiti and White Hill wind farms to gain an appreciation of the character of such developments. 6. I have undertaken many projects in the Canterbury region and lived in Christchurch between 1985 and 1990, and 1995 and My projects have included the Port Hills Recreation Strategy, comprehensive leisure plans for six Christchurch City Community Board areas, recreation user surveys for the Port Hills, Spencer Park, the Avon Heathcote Estuary, Brighton Beach, Sumner Beach, the Hurunui River and the lower Waimakariri River, and evidence in relation to the Taylors Mistake baches, Kennedys Bush subdivision and a Port Levy mussel farm, amongst others. I have also completed a physical activity strategy for Canterbury and the West Coast for Sport Canterbury. I am currently on a Port Hills Park Trust Board campaign team convened to acquire and manage a new park on the Port Hills, and have written the management plan for that proposal. 7. I am currently on the inaugural Sir Edmund Hillary Outdoor Recreation Council, tasked with assisting SPARC (Sport and Recreation New Zealand) with the implementation of the National Outdoor Recreation Strategy. I am an Accredited Recreation Professional with the New Zealand Recreation Association and am Chair of the NZRA Accreditation Board. In 2004 I was awarded the Ian Galloway Memorial Cup by the NZRA, to recognise excellence and outstanding personal contribution to the wider parks industry. 8. I prepared the report titled Meridian Energy Project Hurunui Wind Proposal Assessment of Recreation and Tourism Effects (the Report) which was attached as Appendix M to the AEE. I confirm that the contents of that report are accurate and within my sphere of expertise. I also confirm that in the preparation of the Report I 2

5 did not omit to consider material facts known to me that might have altered or detracted from the opinions and conclusions expressed therein. Code of Conduct 9. I confirm that I have read the Code of Conduct for Expert Witnesses contained in the Environment Court Consolidated Practice Note I agree to comply with this Code of Conduct. In particular, unless I state otherwise, this evidence is within my sphere of expertise and I have not omitted to consider material facts known to me that might alter or detract from the opinions I express. Scope of Evidence 10. In my evidence I: (a) (b) (c) (d) Review the relevant recreation and tourism activities and values within the Hurunui / Great Valley area Review international literature in relation to tourism and wind farms; Assess the effects of Meridian s proposed wind farm on recreation amenity values, including the potential for mitigating any adverse effects of the proposal; Review and respond to submissions and Environment Canterbury s and the Hurunui District Council s officers report on the application. 3

6 Executive Summary of Evidence Recreation and tourism values 11. The main regional tourism centre in the southern corner of the Hurunui District is Waipara, with its wine focus and association with the Weka Pass railway. Motunau Beach is a popular regional recreation destination with fishing charters the key tourism activity. Several accommodation options are available in the Greta Valley, including the Greta Valley Camping Ground and several B&B-style services. The Woolshed at Tipapa (Tipapa) on Motunau Valley Road is a recently opened events venue associated with an accommodation service. There are few other tourism activities in the immediate area surrounding the proposed wind farm. 12. The local setting is one where visitors are likely to stop off on their way through to other destinations (such as Waipara, Christchurch and Kaikoura), rather than a specific tourist centre in itself. Tipapa is the only setting operating as a specific visitor destination close to the wind farm site. 13. Recreation settings within the immediate area are Motunau Beach, Scargill Golf Course and Domain, Omihi Reserve (the Glenmark Rugby Club and tennis courts), and the Motunau Beach Road (which is used for the Greta Valley Marathon Relay). Summary of effects 14. International research into the effects of wind farms indicates that they have little adverse effect on tourism and recreation activity. This outcome partly results from the fact that wind farms are rarely built in areas with high tourism profiles, and also reflects that there is a mix of personal responses to wind farm developments. The majority of respondents to relevant surveys consider that wind farms have no effect on their tourism and recreation activities. 4

7 15. All primary research into the effects of wind farms on recreation and tourism cited in the report describe a portion of respondents who state that wind farm development would have an adverse effect on their likelihood of returning to a visitor setting. No surveys consider deterrents to visiting a setting for the first time, because they are conducted in situ. There is also a portion of respondents who state that wind farms are an attraction, although no data has been located to support the finding that people will visit a region specifically because of wind farms. Rather, wind farms are something to visit while already in a visitor setting. The portion of respondents who do not like wind farms and who state that wind farms would reduce the likelihood of visiting a destination may therefore represent a potential net loss to tourism. However, none of the studies cited have reported an actual loss in tourism activity, and the final conclusions are that wind farm developments have negligible effects on tourism and recreation. The caveat is that wind farms are generally not built in popular visitor areas where tourism is fully dependent on landscape values. 16. Effects of the operation of the proposed wind farm on recreation and tourism will relate to the visibility and audibility of the turbines. There is little tourism or recreation activity in the area which defines itself by the landscape setting of Centre Hill, although the North Canterbury landscape in general is referred to as adding to the visitor experience. Tipapa is the exception and promotes itself as a specific seasonal destination (October to April), based around its restored woolshed, the sale of a small range of products, refreshments, luxury accommodation and two short rural walks, at the time of writing. 17. The visual amenity of the Greta Valley and Waipara areas is supported by the pleasant rural backdrop, but there are no data to suggest that the changes described in the landscape assessment for the proposal would lead to notable changes in regional tourism and recreation participation levels. For example, there is no basis 5

8 to suggest that anglers fishing off Motunau would be less likely to visit as a result of seeing a wind farm. 18. Mr Peter Rough, in his statement concludes that there will be substantial landscape change from five publically accessible viewpoints: (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) Greta Café and Bar car park SH1 and lay-by near Glenmore Motunau Beach Road near Greta Valley School Motunau Beach Road, 4km from SH1 Reeces Road opposite Serrat Downs 19. None of these is a visitor setting where views of the wind farm are likely to have an adverse effect on the recreation or tourism experience of the district. All but one (Greta Café and Bar car park) are transit areas. The Greta Cafe and Bar car park is not, in itself, a visitor destination unlike the bar and café proper, which looks out to the west. The Greta Café and Bar is more likely to benefit from additional traffic stopping to observe the wind farm than suffer any adverse effect. 20. It is unlikely that settings which have a slight or lower visual effect from the wind farm will undergo any change to their level of recreation or tourism activity or satisfaction, considering the rural character of those settings and the minor contribution of the wind farm to the general vista. 21. Areas with moderate visual changes or effects may have some resulting effects on levels of recreation or tourism activity or satisfaction, if there is a dependency on the pre-existing character of the landscape setting. For example, Omihi Reserve (Glenmark), 6

9 as a focus for sports activity, is unlikely to have any change in participation or satisfaction levels considering its sporting focus. 22. In relation to Tipapa, Mr Rough concludes: With regard to the effects upon the private property of Tipapa, which is marketed for its accommodation and other commercial activities, the proposed wind farm will have only minor visual effects on those areas of Tipapa that are the principal visitor attractions. 23. The proposed wind farm is unlikely to have long-term adverse effects on recreation and tourism in the Hurunui District. It is possible that some minor adverse effects may accrue to the commercial activities of Tipapa during the construction phase, and upon completion the scene from some viewpoints on the property will change. Some visitors to Tipapa may be adverse to wind farms in this setting, and views of the turbines from future farm walkways will reduce the quality of the experience of these people. However, this may not translate into a reduction in the number of people who chose to take the walk or stay at the property. 24. As with any wind farm development, potential visitors to settings in the immediate area who dislike wind farms as a component of the landscape will have a reduced quality of experience. Conversely, capitalising on the regionally rare option to view a wind farm should be examined by local service operators and an appropriate opportunity developed. If that occurs, there may be a small benefit from increased visitor activity in the Greta Valley area, although there will be some competition for this experience with the consented Mt Cass wind farm. Methodology and Limitations 25. My assessment is based on: 7

10 (a) (b) (c) A comprehensive literature review including relevant recreation studies, national and regional policy documents and strategies, popular recreation and tourism guides (index-searched for listings of the study area or potentially relevant locations), internet resources and international wind farm case studies and research reports; Site visits to the study area, including The Woolshed at Tipapa, Motunau Beach and other regional recreation settings; The review of project designs and parallel technical reports (such as noise, landscape, traffic and construction), and communication with their authors. 26. My assessment is partly dependent on international findings in relation to wind farm developments and their effects on recreation and tourism values. I have assumed that the findings of these studies and assessments, and the effects of existing wind farms in New Zealand, are transferable to the Hurunui setting. 8

11 Overview of local and regional tourism and recreation values 27. In this section of my evidence I describe the tourism and recreation settings identified within the area circled in Figure 1. The area represents a radius of approximately 15 kms from the centre of the proposed wind farm site. The statement of Mr Rough notes that at 15 km from the turbines the visual effects are considered to be very slight and at 20 km or more, negligible (see his Table 1). However, the objective here is not to identify the scale of visibility from publically accessible recreation and tourism settings, but to describe the type and scale of tourism and recreation activity in those settings, and the degree to which the wind farm is likely to have an impact. The primary assessment made here considers the effect of the operation of the wind farm, with visibility the key determinant. 10km Figure 1: 15km radius (red) around approximate wind farm footprint (orange) 9

12 Hurunui Tourism 28. Here I consider the tourism products promoted in the Hurunui District at the broad level. 29. Hurunui Tourism is governed by a Board (the Alpine Pacific Tourism Board) comprised of both Hurunui District councillors and independent members. The agency is tasked with promoting tourism in the Hurunui District and supporting industry capability. The agency operates the Visit Hurunui website which seeks to describe the attractions in the region and to coordinate the promotion of commercial accommodation and attraction providers. The site ( provides a snapshot of the region s main attractions. 30. The region is described as: 1 Located as close as a quick 30-minute drive from Christchurch the Hurunui district offers diverse landscape, a rich country lifestyle and award-winning attractions such as the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa. The Hurunui s small towns offer a window into the rich culture of New Zealand s rural lifestyle. Boasting an abundance of beaches, forests, parks and rivers, including more than 274 hectares of recreation reserves the Hurunui is the perfect playground. The main beaches are at Leithfield, Amberley, Motunau and Gore Bay and there are recreational lakes at Lake Sumner, Lake Taylor and Lake Tennyson. From walks to fishing, picnics to surfing there truly is something to suit every taste and budget. 1 at

13 31. Thirty-six commercial activity providers are listed with Visit Hurunui (at ). Figure 2 shows the location of these. Two maps are shown to include both pages of data. Activities are concentrated in the Waipara and Hanmer areas. Wind farm Figure 2: Activity providers in Hurunui listed with Visit Hurunui 32. One hundred and two accommodation providers are also listed (at ) and their locations are shown in Figure 3. The campgrounds at Greta Valley and Motunau are not included and various other providers are also absent, such as Lovat Downs B&B on Greta Valley Road several kilometres north west of Greta Valley township 2 and the Hurunui Pioneer Village north of Waikari 3. Identified providers are clustered around Hanmer Springs and Waipara with few in rural areas, including the Waiau Motor Camp (Figure 3, number 4, bottom right map). Te Awa Roa Bed and Breakfast (Figure 3, number 6 in top right map) and Tipapa are the only service providers, in addition to the services in Greta Village, in proximity (less than 2kms) to the wind farm site. Tipapa was listed by Visit Hurunui as an accommodation provider early in 2011 when I completed by original assessment, but no longer appears on the website. I discuss this service provider later in my evidence. 11

14 33. I did not identify Te Awa Roa Bed and Breakfast in my original assessment and have asked Mr Rough to review the degree of visibility of turbines from the property. He has confirmed that the B&B faces NNW and that all turbines are obscured by landforms and would not be visible from the property. Wind farm Figure 3: Accommodation providers in Hurunui listed with Visit Hurunui 34. Visit Hurunui describes the Greta Valley and Motunau area thus (at ): Greta Valley is a great family camping area midway between Amberley and Cheviot. It s the ideal location for those wanting to get away from it all while still being close to

15 surrounding tourism destinations. If you enjoy hitting the golf ball then check out the Scargill Golf Course located only 4kms from Greta Valley. Enjoy the tranquillity of nine holes with tree lined fairways, a few hills and target greens. Near Greta Valley, on the coast, is Motunau Beach, a popular holiday settlement and camping ground. The beach was first used by Maori sailors as a stopover when travelling by canoe between Kaikoura and Kaiapoi. Surfcasting is popular, a crayfishing industry is based here and charter boats are available for sea fishing. The Motunau Beach Clifftop Coastal Reserve offers sweeping views of the coastline and Motunau Island. Motunau Island once a whaling station is now a nature reserve for some of New Zealand s rarest birds, including the endangered white flippered penguin The Alpine Pacific Triangle is a touring route between Waipara, Kaikoura and Hanmer Springs promoted by Visit Hurunui. The three destinations form the vertices of the triangle and are the primary tourism service centres, although various centres are promoted in between. Appendix A (Figure 9) shows an extract from the Alpine Pacific Triangle promotional brochure within the area of the proposed wind farm, with text details for Glenmark (Omihi), Motunau, Waikari and Greta Valley. 36. The nearest promoted walking settings are immediately south of Cass Peak. 37. The Alpine Pacific Triangle route is described by Visit Hurunui : 4 Hanmer Springs is a great place to begin your scenic escape from the real world along the way check out our Top at

16 Family Escapes for summer. The route boasts breath-taking and diverse landscape from snow-capped mountains to rich ocean views, with interesting stops along the way. The touring route is very popular with those want to experience our wine, thermal waters and hospitality. Set yourself up for the day with a sumptuous breakfast at one of Hanmer Springs many cafes. Then set off on one of the most scenic side roads in Canterbury, the Inland Road between Waiau and Kaikoura. It s a stunning journey with rolling hills and mountains, including the Mount Lyford ski field. After taking in the scenery along the Inland Road your stomach might be starting to rumble. What better way to satisfy your hunger than fish and chips or a fresh crayfish, in Kaikoura. On your way south be sure to keep an eye out for seals along the rugged coastline. Stop for refreshments in Cheviot, before heading to Gore Bay for a walk along the beach or to watch the locals take on the waves on their surfboards. Next on the agenda has to be a relaxing glass of wine in the sun at a Waipara Valley winery. The North Canterbury Wine and Food Trail is the ideal way to explore the numerous wine and food options the wider district has to offer. After such an eventful day there is only one thing that can top it all off back to Hanmer Springs for a luxurious soak in the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools Table 1 in Appendix A describes the tourism activities undertaken by domestic and international visitors to the Hurunui District as reported by the NZ Tourism Research Council (TRC, a division of 14

17 the Ministry of Economic Development) from its International Visitor and Domestic Travel Surveys. 5 Figures for any one activity can vary substantially by year due to small sample sizes (visitor counts less than 5,000 are subject to greater than ± 50% error). Consequently, the domestic data presented here represents averages for the years 2000 to For international visitors the data relate to results collated from 1997 to The importance of the Hanmer area is shown by the high percent of respondents who visited volcanic / geothermal attractions more-so by international visitors than domestic, although international visitors account for only 30% of the guest nights in accommodation in the Hurunui District (TRC 2010b). Of note is the low participation in winery activities and the importance of walking and trekking. Wineries are heavily promoted in the Waipara area, but do not appear to have high prominence in these results, which may reflect the nascence of the attraction or an association in the minds of respondents who eat at wineries with the activity of dining. Sightseeing (land), which is differentiated from sightseeing from the air, is also an important regional activity. 40. Regional promotion of tourism services in the Hurunui District are concentrated in and around Hanmer and Waipara. Kaikoura, outside the District, forms an important promotional partner for Hurunui. The Greta Valley area is outside these core areas with one operator active in marketing through Visit Hurunui Tipapa. The Scargill Golf Course and the Omihi clubrooms are also promoted. Motunau Beach is the main natural feature in the immediate area described as a visitor destination. 5 See: 6 Data for the year ended September 2010 has recently become available from TRC (TRC 2011), but is based on a new method and therefore cannot be used in trend analysis. Due to the relatively small sample size for the Hurunui, the data presented here, relying on averages over time, is currently preferred. Results from the latest data set are, however, comparable (generally within one to three percent total difference). 15

18 Public reserve and conservation lands 41. Figure 10 in Appendix A locates public reserve land managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC) and the Hurunui District Council (HDC), as identified by the 2002 Canterbury Conservation Management Strategy (DOC 2002), and the HDC Reserves Management Plan (HDC 2008). Tables 2 and 3 in Appendix A describe the recreation attributes of each land unit. The largest and closest reserve area is the Scargill Motunau Reserve, which includes a nine-hole golf course, tennis courts, cricket oval, sports pavilion, bowling club, squash courts and a scout den. Several small and isolated esplanade reserves, marginal strips and gravel reserves are not shown in Figure 7 due to their very small size and lack of recreation value. Motunau Beach 42. Motunau Beach is off the main tourist route (SH1), and is not described in the Insight (2007), Footprint (Donald 2009), Let s Go (2006) 7 or Lonely Planet (2010) guides to New Zealand available at the time of writing. It is a regionally popular holiday and bach area providing important fishing and diving access to the Canterbury coast. Local reserves provide for basic camping, coastal walking and play areas for the Motunau community and visitors. The focus of the area is strongly coastal, including fishing and surfing. The HDC Reserves Management Plan (HDC 2008) suggests continued upgrading of the Motunau Beach Camping Ground to official campground status (rather than the existing informal status). Motunau Island is administered by the Department of Conservation as a Nature Reserve under the Reserves Act 1977 and access is by permit only (DOC 2002). 7 Now only an online resource, also with no mention of the area ( at Jan 2011). 16

19 43. Several events are held in the area annually and occasionally, such as the Canterbury Classic Triathlon. 8 Waipara and Glenmark 44. The tourism scene in the Waipara Valley is dominated by the wine industry. The 2008 Lonely Planet Guide to New Zealand described the scenic Waipara valley as NZ s fastest expanding wine region home to over a dozen wineries. The 2010 Lonely Planet edition describes it as having up-and-coming vineyards, with the introduction, the scenic Waipara Valley is home to around 20 vineyards. The Lonely Planet guides (2010 and 2008) make no other activity recommendations for the Valley. 45. The Alpine Pacific Triangle Touring Route guide (see section 3.1 of this report) describes the Waipara Valley as, one of New Zealand s finest and most rapidly expanding wine regions. The touring guide recommends wineries, olives, lavender and other local produce, as well as identifying the Weka Pass vintage railway, walking tracks and a nature reserve (the Tiromoana Bush and Mt Cass Walkways). Also noted as visitor locations are the Glenmark Estate and Glenmark Church and Glenmark Vicarage. 46. The Insight Guide to New Zealand (2007) focuses on wine in the Waipara Wineries at Waipara in North Canterbury produce some top pinot noirs, but for the greatest wine-and-landscape spectacle, go to Central Otago but does mention the Waikari limestone landscape (Frog and Seal Rocks) on SH7 beyond the Waipara Valley. 47. The Footprint New Zealand guide (Donald, 2007) states that the, Alpine Pacific Triangle is designed to combine the lesser attraction of the Waipara Valley with its two star destinations,

20 Hanmer Springs and Kaikoura and offers no more information about Waipara. The 2009 edition omits the area entirely. 48. An off-road mountain bike event around Mount Cass, south of the proposal area, called The Mud House Winery and Café Mud Ride was planned for April 2010 but was postponed and has not been held since The key tourism attractions in the Waipara Valley are not strongly landscape-dependent, being based on the cultural features of viticulture, boutique horticulture, vintage rail (which is strongly linked to the Waikari and Weka Pass limestone landscapes) and, to a lesser extent, the two local walkways Mount Cass and Tiromoana Bush. While the scenic characteristics of the Valley will always be important, there is little suggestion in the tourism literature that visitors should be drawn to the area as a result of important landscape features per se. Greta Valley 50. Greta Valley offers a refreshment stop on SH1 and accommodation at the Greta Valley Camping Ground and at Tipapa. An annual road running relay event the Greta Valley Marathon Relay uses the Motunau Beach Road, Happy Valley Road and Glendhu Road circuit. In 2009 the event was staged in early September, and August in The township is not promoted as a destination in itself, but is generally described as providing easy access to a number of regional recreation settings. The Greta Valley Camping Ground is located off Valley Road in Greta township and offers a higher level of service than the Motunau Beach Camping Ground, with shop, showers and lounge facilities. Consequently, it attracts users of Motunau Beach (some only for a shower), as well as passing

21 traffic on the State Highway, particularly touring cyclists (Rob Hey, camp owner, pers comm. Feb 2011.). 52. The Greta Valley Walkway is shown on the 2009 Topo50 series (Figure 4), and although this appears in the New Zealand Walkways guide (NZCA 2003), it has never been officially gazetted, has no status as a Walkway, passes over private land and has been shut by the landowner. It is no longer available. Figure 4: Greta Valley Walkway Tipapa 53. Tipapa, located at the western end of Motunau Beach Road, offers a converted woolshed as a seasonal (October to April) events venue, museum and shop, plus a restored homestead offering luxury accommodation. Farm walks to viewpoints offering expansive views of North Canterbury and distant ranges are available to guests. Omihi 54. Omihi features no tourism accommodation or activity and is the location of the Omihi Reserve, which is described by the HDC (2008) as, primarily dedicated to the sporting recreational uses of 19

22 rugby, tennis and netball. Centrally located, and adjacent to the Omihi School, the Omihi Reserve is the social and sporting centre for the district community. The Reserve is home to the Glenmark Rugby Football Club and the Glenmark Clubrooms, and is often referred to as the Omihi Domain. 55. Mt Vulcan Station, approximately 6 kms directly west from Motunau and accessed from Reeces Rd via Omihi, hosts mountain biking (the Vulcaniser) and rogaining (long distance cross-country navigation) events. 11 Scargill 56. Scargill s reserve area is limited to the Scargill Motunau Reserve which is largely occupied by the nine-hole Scargill Golf Club, but also includes a domain which provides tennis courts, a cricket oval, sports pavilion, bowling club, squash courts and a scout den. Community members have been volunteering time and resources to develop a walkway around the Scargill Golf Course (Kerry Prenter, Ward Councillor, pers comm.). Lilburn Farm, almost 8kms from the wind farm site on Stewarts Run Road, offers horse trekking and farmstay accommodation. Significance 57. There are few tourism activities in the area surrounding the proposed wind farm which treat the setting as a destination in itself. Tipapa is an exception to this generalisation and promotes itself as a specific seasonal destination (October to April), based around its restored woolshed, the sale of a small range of boutique products, refreshments, luxury accommodation and two short rural walks. Otherwise, the Greta Valley relies on passing traffic and other attractions in the district, particularly Motunau Beach. For example, the Greta Valley Camping Ground is described as a

23 location from where other recreation and tourism settings are accessible, rather than a recreation destination per se. The setting relies heavily on visitors stopping off on their way through to other locations (such as Christchurch and Kaikoura). 58. The main proximate tourism centre is Waipara, with its wine focus and its association with the Weka Pass railway. Motunau Beach is a popular regional recreation destination with some tourism activity via fishing charters and events. Several accommodation options are available in Greta Valley and Scargill, including the Greta Valley Camping Ground and several B&B or farmstay-style services. 59. While the landscape setting of the Greta Valley area will be important to visitors, it is not marketed in a general manner as a reason for visiting the area. Key recreation settings are the Motunau Beach area, Scargill Golf Course and Omihi Reserve, the Motunau Beach Road (which is used for the Greta Valley Marathon Relay) and Tipapa as a tourism and venue centre. In my opinion, Motunau Beach and possibly Omihi Reserve with the Glenmark Rugby Club are the only established regionally significant visitor settings in the study area. Tipapa is an individual nascent development and its long-term significance is difficult to define at this stage. 60. The literature that I have reviewed indicates that there is a mix of reactions to wind farms from a tourism perspective, but the trend is generally neutral, and is often positive. 61. At a national level, there remains a very high level of support for wind farms generally. Recent data reported in Stephenson and Ioannou (2010) indicate that more than 81% of New Zealanders are supportive or very supportive of wind energy generally (Figure 5), and a similar proportion (80%) support wind farms in New Zealand (see Appendix A). While this does not directly 21

24 correlate with a positive or negative effect on recreation and tourism satisfaction or uptake, it does show that amongst the domestic market there is a high level of support for wind farms as elements of the national landscape and that they should not be Figure 5: How supportive are you of the following energy sources/technologies to generate electricity for New Zealand? (n=756). EECA Consumer Monitor Public Opinion Survey Oct-Dec 2009 (Synovate) in Stephenson and Ioannou (2010) Coal Oil Gas Wood energy Geothermal energy Marine energy Very supportive Supportive Neutral Opposed Very opposed Don't know enough Hydro energy Wind energy 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% considered purely as a negative addition to a recreation setting. 62. Internationally, in a survey of 307 visitors to Argyll in Scotland (MORI, 2002) where 83% of respondents noted the landscape and countryside of the area as of particular interest of the 49% who had seen a wind farm in the area, 15% reported they had a completely positive effect, 28% reported a generally positive effect, 43% reported an equally positive and negative effect, 7% reported a generally negative effect, and 1% a completely negative effect. Four percent noted that the wind farms would make them more likely to visit again, 91% reported that they would make no difference and 2% reported that the wind farms meant it was less likely that they would visit again. 22

25 63. Similarly, a 2004 study by the University of West England into a proposed wind farm development in North Devon (Aithchison, 2004), based on interviews with 379 day visitors and tourists, reported that the majority of respondents (58%) thought that wind farms had no overall impact on the tourism experience, 18% reported that they had a positive effect on the tourism experience, and 15% reported a negative effect. The report conclusion was no overall negative impact on tourism numbers, no overall detrimental effect on the tourist experience, and no overall decline in tourism expenditure. 64. Research carried out by QA Research (2005) of 449 visitors to Cumbria into additional potential wind farms in the area reported that, to 86% of visitors, more wind farms in Cumbria would make no difference to their visit frequency, 10% would visit less often and 1% would not visit at all. With regard to the statement, I would avoid an area of countryside if I knew there was a wind farm there, 77% disagreed or strongly disagreed and 19% agreed or strongly agreed. However, 71% indicated an extra wind farm would make no difference when visiting the district; 28% thought it would be an additional attraction; 79% indicated it would not reduce their enjoyment on visits; and 91% indicated it would not discourage them from visiting. Seventy-five percent of respondents had prior experience of wind farms in Cumbria, and unfortunately the study report does not indicate the response differences between those who had and had not experienced a wind farm. 65. RBA Research (2002) completed 234 face-to-face interviews with residents near the Lambrigg wind farm in Cumbria and reported that 71% of respondents thought that the wind farm had no effect on the number of people visiting the area, 14% said they didn t know what the impact had been and 11% believed that the number of visitors to the area had increased. Three percent thought that visitor numbers had declined. 23

26 66. Star Consultants (2003) a group of undergraduate students from Leeds Metropolitan University completed face-to-face interviews with 147 visitors to the Lake District for Friends of the Lake District. In relation to visits to Kirby Moor, 79% of respondents were neither encouraged nor discouraged to visit that area as a result of the wind farm, and equal numbers of respondents (7.5%) were encouraged and discouraged. In relation to Lambrigg Fell another wind farm area the neutral group was even larger 84%. In response to the potential for increasing the number of wind farms in the Lake District, 75% of respondents stated it would make no difference to their visit frequency, 22% stated they would visit less frequently and 2% would be encouraged to visit. The students also interviewed 30 tourism organisations in the Lakes District, including the Ramblers Association. The students report includes analysis of the results by subgroup (such as B&Bs and museums), but as each subgroup was quite small (three B&Bs for example), this detailed analysis is unlikely to be representative. In relation to the Kirby Moor wind farm, all businesses noted that it had had no effect on their operations (only the Ramblers considered it a negative effect). The same results applied to Lambrigg Fell and the proposed wind farm at Wharrels Hill. Almost three-quarters supported the concept of wind farm visitor centres, and those who did not felt they would be competition for their businesses. 67. In a visitor survey undertaken on behalf of the Wales Tourist Board (NFO System Three 2003), 68% of respondents said that if the number of wind farms increased in Wales it would have no difference to the likelihood they would take holidays in the Welsh countryside. A further 9% said any impact would be negligible and 2% said they would be less likely to come back. 68. In 2008 the Scottish Government released an analysis of the economic impacts of wind farms on Scottish tourism undertaken by Glasgow Caledonian University (March 2008). This study was 24

27 based on international literature review, intercept surveys with almost 400 visitors to areas in Scotland with wind farms, and an internet-based response survey. The literature review found: (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) There is often strong hostility to developments at the planning stage on the grounds of the scenic impact and the perceived related effect on tourism. However, developments in the most sensitive locations do not appear to have been given approval so that where negative impacts on tourism might have been a real outcome there is, in practice, little evidence of a negative effect. There is a loss of value to a significant number of individuals but there are also some who believe that wind turbines enhance the scene. An established wind farm can be a tourist attraction in the same way as a hydro-electric power station. This was considered to be only true whilst a visit remains a novel occurrence. In Denmark, a majority of tourists regard wind turbines as a positive feature of the landscape. Over time hostility to wind farms lessens and they become an accepted, even valued, part of the scenery. Those closest seem to like them most. Overall there is no evidence to suggest a serious negative economic impact of wind farms on tourists. 69. In relation to the effects of wind farms on visitor intentions to return to Scotland, the study s intercept survey found: Under all circumstances [the respondent having seen a real wind farm, having seen a photo-montage of a local landscape before and after the creation of an existing wind farm, and 25

28 seeing a photo-simulation of an expanded existing wind farm] the vast majority (93-99%) of those who had seen a wind farm suggested that the experience would not have any effect. Indeed there were some tourists for whom the experience increased the likelihood of return rather than decreasing it. The assessed change in likelihood combines both decreases (negative impacts) and increases (positive impacts). In the second case (no farm to current levels [that is, when viewing a before and after photo-montage of an existing wind farm]) the net result of these changes in intentions at both the area level and nationally is relatively small, and in almost all cases is not significantly different from zero in a statistical sense. However when the farm was extended respondents became significantly more negative. The extended development scenario at the area level shows a small but statistically significant (at the 10% level) fall of 2.5% in the likelihood of revisiting an area and just under 0.5% fall in the likelihood of revisiting Scotland. The result at first sight seems to stand at odds to the result from the internet survey, where it appeared that once there was an intrusion into the scenery, the effect on the value of the landscape of expanding the size is relatively small. It is believed that this discrepancy may be explained by the difference between stated and revealed actions. The extended photos used in the intercept study were theoretical developments. Again those who did not like the idea of wind farms were given the opportunity to register a protest vote by threatening to withdraw if it proceeded. Because of the context this protest was far lower than in some other studies but it would appear to exist. Consequently it is our view that the identified change should be viewed as the maximum response that might be expected. 26

29 70. The report concluded a reduction in general tourism expenditure at four study areas of between 1.3% and 1.7% as a result of wind farm development. The total loss for Scotland was estimated at 0.1%. However, this was considered a worst case scenario as it was based on responses to extending existing wind farms where a statistically significant result was noted, and did not include the potential positive effects of wind farm tourism. The authors also reported: The intercept study possibly overstates the likely negative responses because they were based on hypothetical extensions and were out of line with the marginality findings of the internet study. It is believed that there is an inherent possibility of a protest vote against wind farms which is not matched by similar responses from supporters. And The development will happen over a number of years and both the market and tourists are likely to in part adjust to meet the new challenges. 71. In 2008 four researchers from the Centre for the Study of Environmental Change and Sustainability and the School of Engineering and Electronics at the University of Edinburgh (Eltham et al 2008) compared residents perceptions of a Cornish wind farm (Carland Cross) based on their recall of the their opinions prior to its construction in 1991 and after living near the farm up to Figure 6 shows an example of the proximity to residences. A sample size of 100 respondents was sought and achieved. 27

30 Figure 6 Carland Cross wind farm viewed from St. Newlyn East. Many residents can see the turbines from their property. Source: Eltham et al Findings included: The overall proportion of the population of St. Newlyn East finding the wind farm visually attractive changed from 6% to 40%. A total of 10% (±5.9%) of the population thought that the visual intrusion of the wind turbines was greater after the wind farm was constructed than they had expected while 8% (±5.3%) thought that the visual impact was less intrusive. A total of 59% of the population recalled anticipating that, in 1991, the wind farm would bring no positive environmental, social or economic impact to St. Newlyn East. By 2006 this proportion reduced by 37% (±16%) to 22%. There was no statistically reliable change in the perception about the positive or negative effects of the wind farm on tourism. The authors noted: If socio-institutional factors instigated the lower levels of acceptance seen in 1991 compared with 2006, it is interesting that the number of residents remembering being concerned about the impact of Carland Cross on local tourism is negligible. This is despite the prominence of tourism within the Cornish economy (Lang, 2004) and the importance of the promotion of the unique 28

31 and beautiful natural environment (South West Tourism, 2007) as a pull factor for potential visitors. St. Newlyn East, however, has no significant tourist accommodation or facilities, which Toke (2005) 12 found to be an important requirement in a settlement for significant concern to arise about impacts on tourism from local wind farms. 73. The Ten Mile Lagoon wind farm in Western Australia with nine turbines was reported to have had 50,000 visitors in The Albany wind farm, also in WA, with 12 turbines was reported to have had 100,000 visitors in In the Manawatu, Destination Manawatu reports a positive effect of the turbines east of Palmerston North, and a car park count showed 1200 vehicles at the Te Apiti wind farm visitor area in one weekend in In comparison, the Manapouri Power Station has around 40,000 visitors annually, and Benmore Power Station 4000 which is only a little fewer than the number of people who walk the Heaphy Track each year. 74. A UMR Research study (UMR 2007) completed for Meridian Energy in 2007, based on a telephone survey of 500 Otago residents, found: (a) (b) (c) When asked to respond to the statement, Wind farms can be tourist attractions, 36% agreed, 26% disagreed and the remainder were neutral. When asked to respond to the statement with regard to the Project Hayes proposal, It would adversely impact the recreational value of the area, 24% agreed and 27% disagreed. When asked to respond to the statement with regard to the Project Hayes Proposal, It would be a new attraction for 12 Toke (2005) offers a review of English and Welsh planning outcomes in relation to wind farms. 29

32 locals and visitors to the region, 33% agreed and 26% disagreed. 75. In that same study, 14% of respondents were found to be opposed to the Project Hayes proposal, and 2.9% of that group (two people) based that opposition on, adverse impacts on recreational use of land. 76. In summary, while there is a segment of the tourism and recreation population who may consider that wind farms have an adverse effect on their experience, there are no data which suggest that a wind farm will have important negative effects on tourism and recreation activity generally. Effects of the proposal 77. In this section of my evidence I consider the effects of the wind farm proposal considering the recreation and tourism activities which occur in the study area, and the findings of the national and international data on the effects of wind farm on recreation and tourism. Construction 78. Construction effects on recreation and tourism will be confined to traffic activity on SH1 and the Motunau Beach Road. If passage for other vehicles to Motunau Beach is maintained, there will be no notable effects on this setting and on recreation and tourism operations in Greta Valley or Motunau Beach Road. Mr Stephen Chiles and Mr Carr address these issues in their statements. 79. Avoiding traffic activity during the Greta Valley Marathon Relay will avoid effects on this annual event. 30

33 Operation 80. Effects of the operation of the proposed wind farm on recreation and tourism will relate to the visibility and audibility of the turbines. There is little tourism or recreation activity in the area which defines itself by the landscape setting of Centre Hill, although the North Canterbury landscape in general is referred to as adding to the visitor experience. Tipapa is an exception and promotes itself as a specific destination. The visual amenity of the Greta Valley and Waipara areas is supported by the pleasant rural backdrop, but there are no data to suggest that the changes identified in the statement of Mr Rough would lead to notable changes in regional tourism and recreation participation levels. For example, there is little evidence to suggest that anglers fishing off Motunau would be less likely to visit as a result of seeing a wind farm. 81. Mr Rough, in his statement concludes that there will be substantial landscape changes or effects from five publically accessible viewpoints, as I described earlier in my evidence. 82. It is unlikely that settings which have a slight or lower visual effect as identified by Mr Rough from the wind farm will undergo any change to their level of recreation or tourism activity or satisfaction, considering the rural character of those settings and the minor contribution of the wind farm to the general vista. 83. Areas with moderate landscape changes or visual effects may have some resulting effects on levels of recreation or tourism activity or satisfaction, if there is a dependency on the pre-existing character of the landscape setting. Relevant sites identified by Mr Rough include the Omihi Domain, which has a sport-focus, and I would not expect to see a change in patronage in such a setting as a result of the proposal. 84. Tipapa is located within two kilometres of the wind farm footprint. The visual effect of the wind farm are described by Mr Peter 31

34 Rough in his statement as nil, negligible or very slight around the woolshed and homestead. Views from farm walks, such as that proposed to One Tree Hill (see Figure 12) are assessed as having the potential for substantial visual effects. The visibility may diminish the experience of those visitors who do not like the sight of wind farms in this setting. It is difficult to quantify the scale of effect on the operation of the business, but some minor adverse effect may result considering the promotion of the operation as being based in a setting with historic values. 85. The soundscape at Tipapa is an important value in relation, particularly, to the luxury accommodation service provided. Dr Chiles has reviewed the impact of turbine sound in areas near the wind farm and identifies the Tipapa property (40 Motunau Beach Road) as almost entirely outside the modelled 35 db sound contour for the turbines (Figure 7). Dr Chiles identifies in his statement that the predicted wind farm sound level at Tipapa is 31 db, measured 20 metres from the wind farm side of the house. (The NZS 6808 criteria for noise sensitive locations is 40 db). Figure 7: Tipapa boundary and sound contours. Source: URS 2010 with Tipapa boundary overlay Tipapa boundary approx 35 db contour 40 db contour Turbine Noise sensitive location One Tree Hill 1000 metres 32