MEDIA RELEASE

August 28 2008

Independent commissioners will decide on proposed Genesis Energy power station

The Rodney District Council has recommended that independent commissioners will hear the resource consent application for a proposed Genesis Energy power station in the region to alleviate any possible conflict of interest issues.

Council agreed at today's meeting, that the recently signed MOU with Genesis Energy involving the Helensville wastewater treatment plant, presented a conflict of interest and precluded its involvement in deciding the plan change, variation and resource consents for Genesis' proposed Rodney power station.

"The Resource Management Act 1991 allows Council to delegate its powers and functions to appointed hearings commissioners to issue decisions on plan changes and variations," Mayor Penny Webster explained. "Ultimately, the only decision Council will make in this case would be the final approval to make the plan change and variation operative - if that is what the independent commissioners' rule - after all submissions and appeals have been resolved."

Mrs Webster said it was important that regulatory functions are kept separate from any business functions carried out by Council.

"We have been aware of such issues since this project has been in front of Council and these have been carefully managed, by both staff and elected representatives, all throughout this process."

The plan change, variation and resource consent applications by Genesis Energy were notified on April 3 and further submissions closed on July 22. Joint hearings of the proposed plan change and resource consent applications to Rodney District Council and Auckland Regional Council are scheduled from 24 September - 21 October. The ARC has appointed its own panel of four commissioners.

ENDS

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