A rehearing of the Project Hayes case would impose a further financial burden on groups and individuals objecting to the wind farm, their counsel told the High Court yesterday.
Justices Lester Chisholm and John Fogarty have been hearing the appeal by Meridian Energy, the Central Otago District Council and the Otago Regional Council against the Environment Court's decision declining consents for Project Hayes.
Parties were asked, if the appeal was successful, whether they preferred a rehearing by the same or a different division of the Environment Court, or a reconsideration of the case by the Environment Court.
Justin Smith, who appears for the majority of the objectors, including two environmental groups, said the societies had already incurred a financial burden and a rehearing would add to that.
Justice Chisholm said the usual procedure, if the matter went back to the Environment Court, would be for the same section to consider it again.
If it was sent back for a re-hearing, the financial burden on objectors would probably be greater than any costs which might later be awarded, Mr Smith said.
Alastair Logan, appearing for the two councils, said he had no instructions about which course of action they would prefer.
Counsel for Meridian, Hugh Rennie, said his client sought whatever would give a "fair and just outcome", but it would be better if a different division considered it.
