Historian Lindsay Malcolm told the Environment Court this week he believed there was widespread support in the community for the $300 million cement plant Holcim (New Zealand) Ltd wanted to build near Weston.
He said the development of resources was still the key to economic development in the Waiareka Valley.
Mr Malcolm said the possibility of a cement plant had existed for the past 30 years and during that time there appeared to be no or little dissent.
"Holcim have been very open with the community in regard to its development and scheme planning. As a result, there has been both a clear and welcoming acceptance by most residents," he said.
Under cross-examination, Mr Malcolm accepted "it was fair comment" that he was very concerned to see the development proceed because of the struggling economy in the district for years.
A resident of the Enfield district for 65 years, he had written two books about the area.
The hard work of early European settlers, combined with a determination to use the available mineral resources, allowed them to provide not only for themselves but future generations. The main industry, apart from farming, was the extraction of limestone.
