Don’t Burn Waipa
The inquiry into the pros and cons of an incinerator plant is in Te Awamutu has ground to a shock halt.
Don’t burn Waipa
And the reason was revealed by objectors, who revealed it was related to the failure of applicant Global Contracting Solutions to pay fees.
But the authority conducting the board of inquiry into the resource consent application for the incinerator in Racecourse Road – the Environmental Protection Authority – refused to discuss the issue with The News.
Pressure group Don’t Burn Waipā publicised the email signed by EPA chief executive Dr Allan Freeth.
“This suspension will pause all statutory processing timeframes, including the decision due date which was the 28 August 2025,” Freeth’s email said.
Project director Adam Fletcher
“Due to the process being suspended, this decision due date will no longer remain valid. If processing is resumed, we will provide an updated date, in line with the remaining statutory timeframe, in which the Board of Inquiry must make a decision.
“If the applicant subsequently pays the costs recoverable by the EPA, we will lift our suspension on processing their consent application. We will write to you again if this occurs.’
A Don’t Burn Waipā spokesperson said the development was unexpected and the “pause” was an opportunity to strengthen its stand.
Global Contracting Solutions project director Adam Fletcher told The News application costs had doubled one month before the inquiry and the company was working with the EPA to settle the matter.
“We are only two weeks away from the decision,” he said.
“We are a bit bemused as to why they chose to do this now. It seems a bit non sensical.”
