Statement of evidence for Glenmark Community Against Wind Turbines

Transcription

1 BEFORE THE ENVIRONMENT COURT CHRISTCHURCH REGISTRY ENV-2011-CHC-090 UNDER The Resource Management Act 1991 BETWEEN MERIDIAN ENERGY LIMITED Applicant AND HURUNUI DISTRICT COUNCIL and CANTERBURY REGIONAL COUNCIL Consent Authorities Statement of evidence for Glenmark Community Against Wind Turbines Incorporated By Scott Pearson 25 April 2012 Malcolm Wallace Barrister PO Box Armagh Christchurch 8141 Phone:

2 INTRODUCTION Qualifications and Experience 1. My name is Scott Pearson. I live in Taupo. I have been the General Manager of Destination Great Lake Taupo (a regional tourism organisation) since August Hurunui Tourism Manager (Alpine Pacific Tourism) from May 2004 to July Qualifications include a Master of Science (Hons) from Lincoln University majoring in Natural Resource Management and Tourism 1998, and a Bachelor of Resource Studies from Lincoln University with majors in Land & Water Management and Ecology My working career in tourism spans twelve years including working for the former Adventure Tourism Council and the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA). My roles in TIA included Sustainable Tourism Coordinator, Sector Manager (managing five sectors of the industry) and Project Manager working on national tourism projects such as a Workforce and Skills Forecasting Project in I have also been the executive trustee and Acting Chairperson of the Regional Tourism Organisations of New Zealand; as well as the regional tourism representative on the National Tourism Conservation Forum and the New Zealand Tourism Strategy 2015 Portfolio Group. 3. Working as a destination marketer and destination manager over the past 8 years has provided me with extensive experience targeting both domestic and international visitor markets. I have worked with visitor industry stakeholders ranging from operators to community groups and both government and non government agencies. My roles have also incorporated a number of economic development activities as well as advocacy on environmental issues. Therefore, based on my experience and qualifications I consider myself to be an expert witness in the field of tourism. 2

3 4. I wish to declare a conflict of interest through ownership of a property in Omihi at 121 Crofts Road, which is currently rented to tenants. Under the original notified resource consent process I wrote a submission that was opposed to approval of the application. However, the evidence enclosed reflects my professional expertise in tourism, for which I have not sought payment. I would ask that the Court consider my opinions based on the quality of my evidence, as with other expert witnesses, most of who have been commissioned directly or indirectly by the applicant. 5. I have read and agreed to comply with the Code of Conduct for expert witnesses as dated 1 July 2009 under the New Zealand Judicature Act This report is within my area of expertise except where I state that I am relying on information or facts provided to me by another person. SCOPE OF EVIDENCE My report will cover the following: 6. Build on existing evidence in the field of tourism including observations of the Meridian Application and other respective evidence in this area of my expertise. 7. In the interests of making the best use of the Court s time, I have not tried to replicate all of the descriptive detail already provided by previous tourism expert witnesses. Instead content in this presentation is designed to add weight to the body of evidence and will cover the pertinent missing points, in my professional opinion. 3

4 INFORMATION CONSIDERED 8. My report has considered: the Meridian Energy Application for resource consent; the Greenway & Associates Report on Recreation and Tourism AEE; Tourism Reports by Geoff Burns to Hurunui District Council; the Rough & Milne AEE Report on Landscape and Visual Effects; the Landscape and Visual Effects Report by Anne Steven ASLA Limited; personal communication with some affected parties including John Carr; other relevant tourism marketing materials and research; and my occupational and academic experience in the field of tourism. DEFINING THE CONTEXT OF THE VISITOR DESTINATION 9. Greta Valley and Motunau Beach are referenced as destinations in the Alpine Pacific Triangle Touring Route Map 1. While small in comparison to Hanmer Springs or Kaikoura, both Greta Valley and Motunau can still be described as important components of the touring route experience. The Greenway & Associates Assessment 2011 has shown a number of related activities such as golf, walking, sports facilities, fishing, boating, accommodation and camping options. There are also six tourism operators within 5km of the Hurunui Wind Farm project area being: Tipapa Estate; Greta Valley Café and Bar; Off the Road Café; Greta Valley Camping Ground; Te Awa Roa B&B; and Lovat Downs B&B Country Lodge. Based on these visitor assets and current travel information, it is accurate to show that Greta Valley, Motunau and Omihi are an integral part of the wider destination experience incorporating the Waipara Valley, as one of the three distinctive apexes of the Alpine Pacific Triangle. 1 The Alpine Pacific Triangle Touring Route is an official New Zealand Transport Agency approved touring route with road signage throughout the route. 4

5 A drive along the Alpine Pacific route provides endless diversity. Beyond each twist and turn a picture perfect scene emerges: towering mountains, inviting coastline, rolling hills, flowing rivers and first class wineries This route, as stated in the Greenway Report has three major destinations being Hanmer Springs, Kaikoura and Waipara Valley wine region. This wine region is the least developed visitor destination out of the three but it still has significance for domestic and international visitors as evidenced by Christchurch and Canterbury and Hurunui Tourism marketing campaigns, web content and marketing materials over more than a 10 year period, promoting substantial visitor activities and services in the Waipara Valley, particularly wine and food tourism. Waipara Valley offers wonderful brand positioning for the District, being recognised as having award winning wines and visitor amenities. The Waipara Valley and wider district can, over time, develop more visitor offerings in Wine and Food experiences. Further development of walking and bike trails holds great promise The Waipara Valley wine region can be associated with other major wine regions in New Zealand such as Marlborough, Hawkes Bay, Wairarapa and Central Otago and can be described as an emerging visitor destination. There are no reliable figures of guest night stays in this valley but based on levels of accommodation advertising and a recent accommodation and activity inventory 5, the visitor offering in the Waipara Valley and its immediate surrounds (including Amberley, Greta Valley, Wakari and Hawarden) is sufficient in my opinion to give this area regional and in some instances national destination status. 2 AA Free Guide to the Canterbury Region 3 Greenway and Associates Report 2011 Page 17 4 Hurunui District Tourism Strategy Hurunui District Tourism Strategy

6 There are also several B&B and farm stay accommodations provided on a non commercial scale (under $30,000 turnover per annum). 12. Over the past 10 years the Waipara Valley and its immediate surrounds has received growing domestic and international demand for wine tourism activities and weekend escapes in the region 6. The wine region has seen significant investment over the last 10 years. This growth has been clearly evident by the increase in vineyards, wineries with cellar doors, and rising harvest volumes There are a range of events including the summer winery concerts, the Waipara Valley Wine and Food Festival, the Waipara Vintage Festival and sporting events such as the Greta Valley Marathon, the Vulcaniser Mountain Bike Race in Omihi and rounds of the National Mountain Bike Cross Country Series in Omihi. These events have brought significant visitors to the region and this has a positive effect by increasing occupancy at local accommodation establishments and increasing overall visitor spend in the Hurunui District. To provide the Court with full information, the impacts of the Hurunui Wind Farm on these visitor activities and services must be taken into account. 14. Given the close proximity to New Zealand s second largest city and Christchurch International Airport, the Waipara Valley wine region is very important as a strategic visitor destination for both Christchurch and the Canterbury region; this is especially true while there are limitations on badly damaged parts of Christchurch and several traditional attractions. The importance of this wine region should therefore not be underestimated for 6 This observation is based on my knowledge and experience working as the General Manager of Alpine Pacific Tourism (now Hurunui Tourism). 7 Waipara Valley Wine Growers 6

7 the value it brings across the wider Canterbury region given its proximity for day and overnight visits; and in turn, benefits for the New Zealand economy. 15. The Waipara Valley has over 75 vineyards and 26 wineries of which 8 have commercial cellar doors and the remainder by appointment. The valley is a producer of high quality wines and is especially well known for its award winning Rieslings and Pinot Noirs. The region now produces more than 250,000 cases of wine each year 8. This visitor destination also offers excellent opportunities for walking, cycling, restaurants, cafés, a vintage railway and staying in a variety of accommodation. There are also many visitor operations in Christchurch, such as Canterbury Leisure Tours who utilise the wine region as an important part of their visitor product mix. The Tranz Coastal train ride is another visitor experience that journeys through the Waipara Valley. Into the future, the development of further cycle trails, new walking trails, and re opening part of the Greta Valley walkway, are all possibilities under the direction of the Hurunui Walking and Cycling Strategy 2009 and the Hurunui District Tourism Strategy This wine region has considerable potential to expand over the next 10 to 60 years. Since New Zealand wine exports have become very competitive (based on the number of New Zealand wines on the market) it has been more challenging to be profitable; particularly given the current economic climate. Many wineries in the Waipara Valley have decided to grow their customer base and develop cellar door activities. I worked with Enterprise North Canterbury (the regional economic development agency) in setting up the North Canterbury Food and Wine Trail between 2007 and The 2012 trail guide has 26 members and encourages visitors to tour around the Waipara Valley and other parts of North Canterbury visiting various cellar doors, artisans, restaurants, cafés and other local producers. There are 8 Official Visitor Guide Hanmer Springs and Hurunui District 2012; waiparawine.co.nz 7

8 varying scales of commercial activity, however to qualify for membership with the trail, several criteria must be met with a focus on local produce and being open for a minimum number of days per week. This food and wine trail can be deemed successful due to continued membership which includes an advertising placement on the trail map. This trail has been replicated in other parts of Canterbury including Selwyn, Mid Canterbury and South Canterbury, as further evidence of its success. 17. The wine valley includes the Spye Vineyard that is within the area of specific focus for the applicant s Assessment of Environmental Effects, along with several other vineyards in Omihi. It is therefore plausible to argue that the entrance to the Waipara Valley, when travelling from Kaikoura on SH1 heading south, is just south of Greta Valley and adjacent to the proposed Hurunui Wind Farm. First impressions are important when entering a region and I disagree with the evidence from Burns that suggests the short period of travelling time will create limited or neutral impact on the visitor when viewing the proposed wind farm. 18. Burns also considers the landscape looking west is the predominant view. Whether you are travelling along this section of highway from either North or South there will be a tendency to look at both sides of the valley given the road positioning and proximity to the proposed wind farm; as the definition of valley would generally imply two sides and a valley floor. I therefore believe travellers first impressions will be significantly influenced by the large turbines breaking the skyline when viewed from the road. The extent of this influence can come down to personal preference, but in my opinion, I do not consider this wind farm will enhance the visitor experience over the present relatively unspoiled scenery and the natural appearance of the rugged hills in the proposed project zone. 9 Sections 4, Para 3, Burns Report, July Section 4, Para 4, Burns Report July

9 19. Based on the evidence above, it is necessary in my opinion, to recognise the Waipara Valley as a significantly affected area under the AEE process. On that basis, the impact assessments of Greenway and Associates 2011 and Burns 2011/2012 have not taken adequate consideration of potential negative impacts on the wider Waipara Valley into the future. RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN VISITOR ACTIVITIES AND NATURAL LANDSCAPES 20. As recognised in the Hurunui Walking and Cycling Strategy 2009, cycling is an important activity throughout the Hurunui and extending through the Alpine Pacific Triangle. I was involved in establishing the Hurunui Trails Trust which has the aim of building an integrated network of cycle trails throughout the Hurunui District. Construction of the first 9.5km of trail is scheduled to begin in May through prominent wine tourism vineyards and wineries such as Waipara Springs, Greystone, Muddy Water and Black Estate. A range of trails extending from this location have been considered, including the potential to connect areas such as Omihi, Greta Valley, and Waikari through to Waiau and Hanmer Springs. The Report by Anne Steven 2012 indicates that paper roads, which occur throughout the Hurunui District and through the proposed wind farm location, also present opportunities for accessible cycling and walking trails. 21. In 2009, the Trust submitted an application to The New Zealand Cycle Trial (Nga Haerenga) for funding. While funding was not successful, the extension of these trials may be possible with subsequent rounds of cycle trail funding currently being discussed 12. It will also be possible to leverage investment from the Hurunui District Council s Walking and Cycling 11 Personal Communication with Penelope Naish, Hurunui Trails Trust, April Personal Communication with Richard Balm, Project Manager, The New Zealand Cycle Trail April

10 Strategy 2009 and the active fundraising efforts of the Hurunui Trails Trust. Cycle tours in wine regions are now run as successful commercial operations by specific companies like Takaro Tours in Hawkes Bay and nationwide companies like Adventure South and Pedal Tours. 22. John Dunn Programme Manager for The New Zealand Cycle Trial, recently gave a presentation to the Regional Tourism Organisations of New Zealand (March 2012). His presentation showed the prioritised criteria for national cycle trails was in the following order: stunning natural scenery; smooth easy to ride trails; provide a memorable experience A further wind farm in the Waipara Valley will disadvantage the Hurunui Trails Trust s ability to secure large scale funding. It will be harder to compete against the scenic qualities of other potential national cycle trail applications in areas that do not have a wind farm in the vicinity. Wind farms may be seen as a point of interest and learning on such a trail, but in comparison to the natural looking landscapes of the Waipara and Greta Valleys, wind farms are not unique around the world or in New Zealand and therefore hold less value for the visitor destination. 23. The quality of the overall visitor experience in Waipara Valley is driven by the combination of a number of factors. These include the visitor product or experience, whether it be wine tasting, a ride on the historic Weka Pass Railway train, a wedding, corporate event or simply a local walk. For activities in the valley, the landscape plays a significant role in providing the visual context, thereby influencing visitor perceptions of the wider destination. In 2007, a 10

11 Waipara Valley Think Tank 13 was held with workshops to identify the unique selling points for the wine region. Consensus was reached during these workshops that the landscape and cultural heritage of the wine region were two of its most unique selling points. In both digital and print marketing materials the Hurunui District is consistently promoted for its rich country lifestyle and stunning landscapes. On the Canterbury Leisure Tours website, it states: travel by road or train through the rolling hill country of North Canterbury, enjoying the beauty of its rural pastoral scenes 24. The Hurunui District Tourism Strategy 2015 states: The Hurunui is blessed with a great diversity of landscapes, and experiences that offer residents and visitors alike wonderful opportunities to enjoy our district. In Hurunui we live the lives others only dream of come visit, and travel well In the evidence presented by Anne Steven it is recognised that for the purpose of attracting visitors to the Hurunui District, there is a reliance on the district s diversity of unique landscapes; and this in turn fosters an expectation of protection 15 in regard to both the quality of life and quality of the visitor experience. 13 Waipara Valley Thing Tank Synopsis 18 April, 2007; Waipara Summary Notes 23 April, 2007 sourced from Hurunui Tourism. 14 Anne Steven Report April, Anne Steven Report April,

12 25. The Hurunui District is popular with photographers because of its natural landscapes and special light qualities. Many club, competition and professional photographers are regular visitors to North Canterbury, as evidenced by images of North Canterbury in regional and national photographic competitions. The Christchurch Photographic Society have run competitions and produced books which have focused on North Canterbury landscape images. 26. Waipara Valley has already been coerced into making significant sacrifices for the greater good of the region and country. The obvious examples are the Kate Valley Landfill (presently the main operational landfill for Canterbury) and the Mount Cass Wind Farm. These two developments were approved despite significant public and resident opposition. With my knowledge of the Resource Management Act and its processes, these projects would have been less likely to have gone ahead if the Waipara Valley had a larger population base, or if the wine valley was considered to have a higher tourism profile 16. Mainpower and Meridian have between them investigated 13 sites 17 in the Hurunui District and while they indicate many do not meet their own formulated criteria at present, there is the actual risk that approval of a further wind farm will set a precedent for the district to become an accessible resource for more wind farms, despite the negative impacts on the visitor destination. 27. By comparison, Lake Wanaka, Queenstown, the Te Mata Peak surrounds in Hawkes Bay and Lake Taupo, would never allow wind farms to be built in prominent skyline areas within view of these destinations. It is my opinion (assuming current growth trends) that if this application were being requested in 2022, the increasing tourism development would see the threshold reached for the Waipara Valley wine region to be considered a high profile and 16 Greenway Report 2011, Section 5.2, Page 33, International Research wind farms are rarely built in areas with high tourism profiles. 17 Meridian Application, Section 8.1, Page

13 more established visitor destination. Since the life of the wind farm is expected to be at least 35 years, I believe the future potential of the wine region has not been taken into account based on its importance for present and future generations, as required under Section 2, Part 5 of the Resource Management Act I believe the current assessment of effects by Greenway 2011 and Burns 2011/2012 is heavily weighted on present day use. These assessments do not give enough consideration to the growth and development potential of this wine region, based on both the landscape environment it affords visitors, the high quality of wine and soils 18, wine tourism and other visitor activities and events in this region. I also believe the applicant s AEE report has overly discounted the negative effects on future tourism development. CUMULATIVE EFFECTS ON THE VISITOR DESTINATION FOR PRESENT/FUTURE GENERATIONS 29. With reference to cumulative effects, as wind farms may have a lifespan over 60 years, the negative effects identified in the AEE whether they be minor, medium or substantial will in my opinion place more than a slight or neutral burden on the visitor destination, especially on repeat visitors and residents, given the time scales involved. Over time negative impacts may become less noticeable as referenced by Greenway , but if further wind farms create a precedent of approvals, such as Mount Cass and the Hurunui Wind Farm (via direct referral to the Environment Court), then the valley s integrity as a visitor destination will be compromised. A more holistic and long term view is necessary to understand that these successive large scale developments will change the intrinsic qualities of the area incrementally, similar to the boiling frog analogy Wine in New Zealand Courtney Greenway Report 2011, Section 4.1, Page 29 (United Kingdom). 20 The boiling frog analogy relates to a frog in a pan of water that is steadily heated, where the rate of change is such that the frog does not notice the incremental rise in temperature, which eventually proves fatal. 13

14 30. In my opinion the building of the approved Mount Cass Wind Farm, followed by the proposed Hurunui Wind Farm would have long term negative effects on the local visitor industry and the host communities of the wider Waipara Valley. When considering potential consequential effects from the proposed wind farm, in my view the most substantial risk is in the proliferation of further wind farms in this specific visitor destination. For example, the mention of Mt Alexander by the applicant, and the witnessed Mainpower testing masts on the Doctor s Range near Waikari/Hawarden, are landscapes which may receive wind farm proposals in the future. These locations may not be considered viable now, but as power prices increase and wind farm technology improves, as has occurred over the last ten years, the demand for these sites can rise as these locations become more economically attractive to establish a wind farm. The result will see the outstanding natural landscapes of the region and the collective visual values (associated with all the rural landscapes of this destination) being devalued by the encroaching presence of wind farms, given their large man made structures on the skyline. This situation would run contrary to promotion in the North Canterbury Food and Wine Trail Guide 2012 of North Canterbury s stunning landscapes. 31. It is vital that cumulative effects are taken into account. As Garrett Hardin famously reasoned in his scientific paper titled Tragedy of the Commons (1968), rational farmers will aim to maximise the production of their own land unit without taking into account the cumulative effects of all other farmers doing the same; in an area that has a finite level of land resource. The relevance to this application is that Meridian is focused in the first instance on being a profitable State Owned Enterprise, then secondly, a renewable energy producer and seller. The potential tragedy of the commons with this application is that being too focused on impacts in the immediate area of the wind farm will not adequately take into account the long term cumulative and incremental effects on the wider Waipara 14

15 Valley. This visitor destination also has district, regional and national significance, especially given the current post earthquake recovery of tourism in the Canterbury region. It is important this level of significance is weighted against the suggested regional and national benefits of proposed wind generated electricity. THE IMPORTANCE OF NATURAL LANDSCAPES 32. Research by Tourism New Zealand in 2006 targeted interactive travellers 21 to understand the brand attributes associated with their perceptions of New Zealand. In order of importance the market research 22 found that natural landscapes were clearly the highest rated attribute at (8.7) for those that had not seen the Tourism New Zealand campaign and (8.8) for those that had. Based on the first score natural landscapes scored (0.9) above the next highest rating which was clean and unpolluted at (7.8). It is also useful to note that wine and food which featured in this marketing exercise was also rated highly by the potential visitors with scores of (7.0) and (7.6). 33. This country s international visitors have chosen New Zealand over many other options and have undertaken long plane trips to enjoy New Zealand s comparative advantages; particularly its varied and scenic natural landscapes 23. While much of New Zealand s landscape has been modified through burning, introduced animals, land clearance, agriculture and forestry, the landscape still has a natural character in conventionally farmed rural areas. 21 Interactive Travellers as defined by Tourism New Zealand (TNZ) are experience seekers, they are leaders who value authentic cultural experiences, self plan and prefer nature based holidays. 22 Brand Attribute Association, Tourism New Zealand 2006 See Appendix Since 2006 TNZ has now developed a focus on Active Considers, but the main preference for TNZ s target market is still New Zealand s natural landscapes Personal Communication Joanne Reed, Senior Marketing Research Analyst TNZ April 2012 and TNZ Special Interest Research (in the six core markets) June

16 34. It is my opinion that the Meridian application has discounted the value of New Zealand s landscapes and only placed significant value on areas deemed to be of outstanding natural character. Landscape through the eyes of a visitor cannot be easily isolated between sections of outstanding character and those of lesser visual value within a 360 or smaller viewing radius. In other words, within any given field of view it is the combination of landscapes that creates the overall experience for a visitor in that destination. 35. I do not agree with Meridian s position 24 in relation to Objective 10 of the Hurunui District Plan 25 that the wider amenity values of the region should simply be described as subjective, nor in the context of their arguments should the proposal be considered of little relevance to the rest of this visitor destination. The Meridian application has not taken a holistic view of the Waipara Valley and while case law may prefer to focus on localised impacts, there is compelling evidence why the landscape elements in the Greta Valley and Waipara Valley areas have a symbiotic relationship, in enhancing the region s overall appeal for visitors. As noted on the Hurunui District Council website in Greta Valley and nearby Scargill a peaceful, rural farming atmosphere still exists. In the Hurunui District Tourism Strategy 2015 the Mayor states visitors leave our district with lasting impressions of rural vistas and ever changing agricultural landscapes. I therefore consider this proposal is not consistent with Objective 10 of the Hurunui District Plan, and have not seen referenced any mitigating measures that would maintain, enhance or protect wider amenity values above those of the existing environment. 36. Wind farms can significantly alter the landscape for visitors with the breaking of natural views and skylines. An example of this occurrence in another region relates to the wind 24 Meridian Application Section , Para 4 25 Objective 10: A healthy and safe environment within the District and maintenance and/or enhancement of amenity values which the community wishes to protect. 16

17 turbines in the Makara Peak area on the most South West Coast of the North Island. When taking a ferry crossing from Picton to Wellington, on leaving the Marlborough Sounds there is a scenic natural environment of marine fauna and flora and rock buttresses. As you enter the main Cook Strait channel the boat changes direction and as it turns on a fine day, one of the first things visible with the naked eye on the North Island is the large scale Makara wind turbines. This situation breaks the natural form of this landscape by returning passengers to a heavily altered human landscape; a view that is unlikely to be classed as an unspoiled natural landscape. The ability to see these wind turbines across the Cook Strait on a clear day, demonstrates the viewing distances across the Waipara Valley (given similar proposed turbine sizes) are much less in comparison. 37. To separate out the Project Hurunui Wind Area as being of low landscape value 26 does not recognise that the Waipara Valley has two predominant sides that will both have an effect on the visitor. Therefore, the landscape and skyline areas of Greta Valley and Centre Hill are strongly complementary and cannot in my view be separated from the unique landscapes and cultural heritage of the wider Waipara Valley; that are attributes identified in the Waipara Valley Think Tank This is also true when you enter the Waipara Valley from Kaikoura on SH1 or from Hanmer Springs on SH7, where the skyline for the proposed Hurunui Wind farm is clearly evident and will be one of the first things visitors see. The cumulative impact of two wind farms stretched over approximately 17.5 km of skyline 27 will be significant. When approaching from Amberley at the southern entrance to the wine region you will also see the Mount Cass turbines displayed prominently 28. The distances for viewing the turbines differ but for the more distant SH7 entrance and the SH1 entrance heading North from Amberley, the combination of wind farms, given their large scale, will 26 Summary vii, Para 2, Rough Report Meridian Application Section 6.4.8, Para 2 28 Assuming that the Mount Cass Wind Farm has been constructed. 17

18 still be evident on the horizon. This effect can already be seen by car when viewing the large scale wind farms in the Manawatu region. 38. While it is agreed that some visitors find wind farms interesting and appealing in New Zealand, wine regions and wine tourism in this country are both more popular visitor attractions 29. The imagery supplied in the Greenway Report 2011, shows wind farms are not unique to New Zealand and are in fact found in many places around the world. While businesses such as the Greta Valley Café and Bar would gain short term visitation from those interested in wind farms (given the close proximity to the highway), I consider this positive impact to afford less advantage for encouraging longer staying, higher spending visitors. Maintaining the visual integrity and attractiveness of the region s landscapes and rural character will therefore generate greater visitor spend in the destination. 39. As noted by Burns , the Meridian application in Section has understated the cumulative wind farm footprint of the two wind farms. I agree with Burn s response that: Waipara Valley would be compromised by the much larger cumulative wind farm footprint. The perception of visitors from outside the district of an area that is ideal for vineyards and quality wine experiences could be negatively influenced by this larger wind farm. However, in contrast to another statement 31 of Burn s 2011 about no expected change to tourism investment in the region, I would argue that prospective investors may decide to divert their investment to other New Zealand wine regions, based on the devalued landscapes the two wind farms will create. This is particularly true of activities that may 29 Demand for Cultural Tourism Colmar Brunton Section 5(ii), Para 2, Burns Report, July Section 5(ii), Para 3, Burns Report, July

19 occur in more than one fixed position such as quad bike riding, mountain biking, wine tasting and nature tours. It is difficult to quantify the extent of negative effects on new or existing tourism developments, but given the current challenges for Hurunui and Canterbury in its post earthquake recovery, this wind farm will be a further limitation on the Canterbury and local visitor industry. 40. From an economic benefit perspective the 150 temporary jobs associated with the construction phase and the four permanent jobs will provide advantages to the area, but I do not consider this benefit significant when compared to the higher number of hospitality workers employed in the Waipara Valley. The Court should also weigh up the negative impacts of construction on businesses like Tipapa, against the relatively short term benefits from 150 workers, many of whom may commute outside of the District. 41. Geoff Burns considers that wind farms are a good representation of the 100% Pure New Zealand brand 32. In my working experience over the past 10 Years of seeing the evolution and application of the 100% Pure New Zealand Brand, it has had two main positions either commonly interpreted or intended. These definitions relate to the unspoiled naturalness and purity of the New Zealand environment, with the second meaning defined as having a 100% Pure New Zealand experience encompassing the unique aspects of New Zealand culture and environment (as defined by Tourism New Zealand). Wind farms in my opinion do not fit neatly into either interpretation of the New Zealand brand (due to the conflict between renewable energy and both visual and noise pollution). The more representation of wind farms there are in New Zealand, the more likely this is to be the case. I have not seen and would consider it very unlikely to see any Tourism New Zealand promotional images showing wind farms in the hero shots for New Zealand. 32 Section 5(iii); Para 4, Burns Report, July

20 42. I do not agree with Burn s conclusions 33 that the Hurunui Wind Farm will only be interpreted positively as a reinforcement of New Zealand s commitment to sustainable energy investment. The applicant also makes the assertion in their application that another wind farm will be a positive environmental statement by the local community which is rather misleading given it is not ultimately the local community who gets to decide their fate in regard to this direct referral case. TIPAPA HOMESTEAD AND COUNTRY ESTATE 43. Tipapa has been noted in previous evidence as one of the visitor destinations most affected 34 by the proposed wind farm and I would agree with this observation, but have some differing views on the degree to which its visitor offering will be affected. Tipapa was opened in 2009 offering high end, self contained accommodation, in the historic Tipapa Homestead. As the Alpine Pacific Tourism manager in the first half of 2009, I inspected the property and their event facilities. It was made clear to me at that time that visitors would have access to the wider grounds for their enjoyment, provided basic health and safety rules were followed. 44. The grounds provide an authentic North Canterbury country experience drawing on the character of the historic Woolshed and other farm buildings. The attributes match the natural landscapes and cultural heritage of Waipara Valley; defined as primary unique selling points in the Waipara Valley Think Tank The Owner wishes to attract discerning high value clients to his property for specific functions like weddings, family celebrations, community events, business conventions/ 33 Section 5(iii); Para 4, Burns Report Para 25, Burns Report, February

21 retreats and similar opportunities. The availability of the accommodation and access to the wider property is seen as a complementary part of the overall experience In its fourth year of operation, Tipapa has successfully run a number of the events mentioned above 36. The frequency of events is less than a city based conference facility, but in terms of a country based facility and Tipapa s current stage of development, it represents a commercial and sustainable visitor activity. In my opinion, the Hurunui Wind Farm will through direct and indirect association, significantly change the aesthetic qualities on which Tipapa s identity depends. The result will be to limit Tipapa s future growth objectives, as outlined by its owner. 47. The reason for this conclusion relates to the importance of place in a visitor s experience and the dramatic changes a wind farm will create on features such as the skyline and overall ambience of this and other visitor locations in the area. The definition of place is now applied by the Department of Conservation in its assessment of the values for public conservation areas 37. The same principles apply here where the sense of place is critical to the experience Tipapa offers. In my experience of managing the Lake Taupo Convention Bureau, event planners favour venues that offer beautiful natural surroundings, especially if they are required to travel away from the convenience of city event locations. Tipapa s brand identity is built on the local heritage of the Hurunui as an agricultural and more recently wine growing district. The property blends contemporary accommodation and hospitality services with a rustic setting of restored farm heritage buildings, the centre piece of which is the woolshed. This identity is consistently presented on Tipapa marketing materials and the Tipapa website as an exclusive retreat destination. 35 Personal Communication John Carr Personal Communication John Carr Al Morrison Director General Department of Conservation 21

22 48. Tipapa is open all year round as an events centre and for accommodation which is consistent with its approved New Zealand Transport Agency brown visitor activity signs. These signs are displayed on State Highway 1 when approaching the Motunau turnoff, heading either north or south. The property is also open to visitors from October to April for more casual visits to enjoy the tranquillity and ambience of the estate as well as a selection of South Island sourced products in its gallery shop. 49. I support Burn s statement 38 that there will be an unwelcome material impact on visitors to Tipapa, both during construction and on going, from wind farm operations. The property will be directly impacted from the large visual and non visual presence of the wind farm, which is clearly an industrial structure with large scale turbine towers and blades. As suggested in the Meridian application 39, the rotary motion of turbine blades can catch the eyes attention, potentially distracting visitors from other more natural views. While the noise disturbance is deemed low in evidence to date, it does as suggested by Burns 40 ; add a cumulative effect that may put off those sensitive to such potential disturbances from utilising the property, both during construction and during regular operation of the wind farm. Greta Valley and Motunau Beach 50. Greta Valley Restaurant and Bar is a focal point for residents and a stopping point for travellers, who often ask for directions and suggestions on things to do in the area 41. The 38 Section 5(ii), Para 5.2, Burns Report July Meridian application, Section Section 5.2, Para 1, Burns Report July This reference is based on requests for marketing brochures and maps from Hurunui Tourism 22

23 Greenway Report suggests that this restaurant and bar will receive little adverse effects from the proposed wind farm. I do not believe the effects on the present experience at the café will be as substantial as those of Tipapa. However, the introduction of the wind turbines will result in a dramatic change to the Greta Valley environment, particularly when outdoors. Rough , in his assessment of landscape and visual effects notes that there will be substantial effects from five publically accessible viewpoints, one of which is the Greta Valley Café and Bar. The other Greta Valley tourism businesses, listed in Paragraph 9 of this document, will also notice significant changes in relation to this destination s rural character and ambience. 51. In regard to the Motunau Beach area as a visitor destination, I agree with Burns July that the most obvious disturbance to the visual values of the Motunau Beach area will be on the return trip from Motunau Beach to SH1 when the wind farm will be significant on the horizon. Due to the number of large scale turbines, the rural character of this area will be dramatically altered. SUMMARY OF EVIDENCE 52. My overall opinion is that the effects outlined in the Meridian application for resource consent and associated AEE reports, including the reply to the applicant s Evidence in Chief by Geoff Burns, have been overly narrow in terms of location, and light on analysis as to the extent of future impacts from the proposed wind farm on the wider Waipara Valley wine region. There is firm evidence to show that the wind farm footprint occurs within the boundaries of the Waipara Valley wine region, which has significant importance to the wider district, the Alpine Pacific Triangle, Christchurch and the wider Canterbury region. 42 Section 1.3, Greenway Report Section , Page 86, Rough & Milne Report, February Para 24, Burns Report, February

24 53. There will be significant adverse effects, on the wider Waipara Valley, as a clearly recognised domestic and international visitor destination, that is comparable to other major wine regions in New Zealand. The presence of wind turbines cannot be considered a unique feature from a regional, national or international perspective. 54. There are a range of visitor activities, services and events in the wider affected area, many of which have excellent potential to expand into the future. The presence of another wind farm will create disadvantages for potential economic growth as the region becomes less competitive with other similar visitor destinations. There are some potential advantages through attracting visitors who find wind farms interesting or appealing. 55. The Hurunui District places high value on the natural landscapes and cultural heritage of the District, which indicates a need to protect these unique selling points, in order to continue attracting people to the district. Already the Waipara Valley as the third apex of the Alpine Pacific Triangle, has been disadvantaged (from a tourism perspective) by the introduction of the Kate Valley Landfill and the approval of the Mount Cass Wind Farm. More wind farm approvals will set a precedent for this visitor destination to become a large scale wind resource, significantly devaluing the brand attributes and experiences which attract visitors to areas like this in New Zealand. 56. This wind farm will significantly alter the landscape and visitor experience, from a range of viewing distances and visitor destinations. Tipapa is one such destination that will receive adverse impacts in terms of its authentic North Canterbury rural character and its competitiveness as a visitor operation. The wine region, given its present stage of tourism development and population density, is currently vulnerable to industrial developments that will leave a lasting impression on the wider destination. 24

25 57. Protecting the tourism potential in this region for present and future generations is of paramount importance for the long term vision of the Hurunui District, upon which the visitor destination offering and welfare of the Hurunui community is heavily reliant. 25

26 APPENDIX 1.0 Brand Attributes Research for Interactive Travellers Tourism New Zealand

27 I Scott Pearson state: 1. I reside at 137 Richmond Avenue, Taupo 2. I have prepared the information in this statement of evidence. Dated this 25 day of April 2012 S Pearson 27