Meridian studying decision

Meridian Energy is still "digesting" the High Court decision on Project Hayes and absorbing the implications of the ruling.

The energy company's spokeswoman, Claire Shaw, said yesterday although Meridian welcomed the "positive" decision, further comment was unlikely until its team had studied the content and heard its lawyers' views.

"Things are in a holding pattern at the moment and it will be a few weeks before we start talking about the next step," she said.

"Obviously, we've been directed to get more information on certain issues and we'll need to take a close look at the report and decide our next logical step."

The High Court has rejected a cross-appeal on the Project Hayes decision which focused on the definition of climate change.

Meridian Energy appealed against the Environment Court's decision in November which cancelled consents for its proposed wind farm.

Naseby businessman Roch Sullivan cross-appealed, asking for climate change matters to be reconsidered if there was a rehearing of the wind farm applications.

The appeals were heard in the High Court at Dunedin in June, and the decision by Justices John Fogarty and Lester Chisholm was announced on Monday.

They allowed Meridian's appeal and have asked the Environment Court to reconsider the matter.

Mr Sullivan's appeal was dismissed.

No date has been allocated yet for the Environment Court to reconsider its decision on the Project Hayes wind farm.

Environment Court case manager Chris Jordan said yesterday it was too soon to be talking about dates.

"It wouldn't be on the radar as yet, until the commissioners have had a chance to take in the [High Court] decision."

Mr Jordan said Judge Jon Jackson and the commissioners received copies of the High Court decision yesterday.

"I'm sure they'll be communicating with all the parties involved as soon as possible," he said.

 

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