Meridian Annual Report - Meridian Energy

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Meridian aims to engage with its communities in an
open and transparent manner and to strengthen
and help communities develop in a sustainable way.
Honouring the mana of Māori rock art
Meridian has a long association with the Ngāi Tahu Maori Rock Art
Charitable Trust, and is proud to provide financial support. The
Trust, the only organisation of its kind in New Zealand, aims to
protect and manage the more than 550 identified rock art sites in
the South Island.
Māori rock art is an important aspect of the cultural heritage of all
New Zealanders, and Meridian’s support recognises the ongoing
need to provide practical support for the Trust, which is working
to raise awareness and understanding of the rock art, as well as
develop both local and international tourism opportunities.
Communities in proposed generation areas
Meridian’s community funds are linked to specific generation facilities,
but the funds are only established after a generation project is
completed and commissioned. For new generation proposals and
projects, Meridian conducts an extensive process of consultation
that begins well before a project is announced to the public.
Meridian works closely with local communities and local councils
to address concerns and answer questions as openly as possible.
We understand that working with prospective generation communities
can be a difficult process. In many cases, community feedback
is able to be included in the planning process in order to avoid,
remedy or mitigate any effects as required under the Resource
Management Act.
We are always ready to talk and discuss issues and concerns with
community members and groups. While some people still maintain
their opposition to a proposal, we have found they at least have a
better understanding of the potential effects and Meridian’s efforts
to address these. An example of this process is Project West Wind,
which generated significant local opposition, some of which remains,
although some former opponents are now more comfortable with
the project.
We acknowledge that communities faced with a renewable generation
proposal, such as a hydro scheme or a wind farm, can feel
uncertainty and discomfort.