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Call in of matters of national significance

About call-ins

A call-in is one option the Minister for the Environment may use to intervene in a matter of national significance. When the Minister calls in a proposal it is either referred to an independent Board of Inquiry or directly to the Environment Court.

Applications associated with a proposal can be called in because of a combination of factors of national significance, including: widespread public concern or interest; significant use of natural and physical resources; and the scale and significance of the proposal.

More information is available on the process of calling in a matter and of ministerial intervention on proposals of national significance under the Resource Management Act

Call-in of Transpower's North Island Grid Upgrade Project

Transpower has lodged Notices of Requirement for designations and applications for resource consents for its proposed transmission line (200km in length) from Whakamaru to Otahuhu and Pakuranga to supply power to the Auckland and Northland regions. Minister Hodgson has called in the Notice of Requirements (NoRs) and applications. An independent Board of Inquiry has been appointed to consider Transpower's proposal.

Call-in of ‘Te Waka’ wind farm proposal

Hon Trevor Mallard has publicly notified his direction to call in a proposal by Unison Networks Ltd for a 34-turbine wind farm near Te Waka Range in Hawke’s Bay and has referred it to the Environment Court.

Call-in of ‘Te Mihi’ geothermal power station proposal

Hon Trevor Mallard has publicly notified his direction to call in a proposal by Contact Energy Ltd for a new geothermal power station in an area known as ‘Te Mihi’ near Taupo. An independent Board of Inquiry has been appointed to consider Contact’s Proposal.