Minutes of the expert panel 14 October 2026 – Minute 57 The expert panel issued Minute 57 regarding the Abley Limited letter and supplementary information provided by the applicant.
Minute 57 of the expert panel (PDF, 239 KB)
5 October 2026 – Minute 56 The expert panel issued Minute 56 regarding the memorandum from the applicant in Response to Minute 54 and inviting comment on the proposed alternative access to Ardgour Rise which the applicant has identified.
Minute 56 of the expert panel (PDF, 163 KB) 5 October 2026 – Minute 55 The expert panel issued Minute 55 regarding the memorandum received from Sustainable Tarras seeking leave.
Minute 55 of the expert panel (PDF, 167 KB)
30 September 2026 – Minute 54 The expert panel issued Minute 54 regarding SH8 realignment, Ardgour Rise and access to the CIT Battery.
Minute 54 of the expert panel (PDF, 179 KB)
21 September 2026 – Minute 53 The expert panel issued Minute 53 regarding the Environmental Defence Society's memorandum and supplementary evidence on the Burgess memorandum.
Minute 53 of the expert panel (PDF, 106 KB)
16 September 2026 – Minute 52 The expert panel issued Minute 52 regarding the:
resumption of processing of the application appointment of a conditions writer. Minute 52 of the expert panel (PDF, 107 KB)
11 September 2026 – Minute 51 The expert panel issued Minute 51 regarding the Department of Conservation comment on Central Otago District Council Land-Use Condition 69.
Minute 51 of the expert panel (PDF, 104 KB)
Earlier minutes of the expert panel
Minutes 41–50
9 September 2026 – Minute 50 The expert panel issued Minute 50 regarding the applicant’s economic analysis.
Minute 50 of the expert panel (PDF, 112 KB)
1 September 2026 – Minute 49 The expert panel issued Minute 49 requesting a timeline of implementation of proposed conditions from the applicant.
Minute 49 of the expert panel (PDF, 104 KB)
28 August 2026 – Minute 48 The expert panel issued Minute 48 acknowledging memorandums received from the applicant, Otago Regional Council and Central Otago District Council, and Sustainable Tarras.
Minute 48 of the expert panel (PDF, 117 KB)
25 August 2026 – Minute 47 The expert panel issued Minute 47 responding to the 24 August 2026 memorandum from Matakanui Gold Limited (MGL), and suspension of processing.
Minute 47 of the expert panel (PDF, 135 KB)
19 August 2026 – Minute 46 The expert panel issued Minute 46 responding to the 14 August 2026 memorandum from Sustainable Tarras and the 19 August 2026 memorandum from Environment Defence Society (EDS).
Minute 46 of the expert panel (PDF, 135 KB)
17 August 2026 – Minute 45 The expert panel issued Minute 45 confirming processing will resume on 17 August 2026.
Minute 45 of the expert panel (PDF, 102 KB)
10 August 2026 – Minute 44 The expert panel issued Minute 44 regarding Request for Information 11 redactions and the resumption of Landscape Conferencing.
Minute 44 of the expert panel (PDF, 204 KB)
31 July 2026 – Minute 43 The expert panel issued Minute 43 regarding the appointment of a Tax Advisor.
Minute 43 of the expert panel (PDF, 109 KB)
27 July 2026 – Minute 42 The expert panel issued Minute 42 regarding submissions filed by Canyon Vineyard Limited.
Minute 42 of the expert panel (PDF, 106 KB)
Memorandum on behalf of The Canyon Vineyard (PDF, 646 KB)
23 July 2026 – Minute 41 The expert panel issued Minute 41 regarding supplementary information and consideration of resumption date.
Minute 41 of the expert panel (PDF, 149 KB)
Minutes 31–40
8 July 2026 – Minute 40 The expert panel issued Minute 40 regarding geotechnical inquires and the spring annual report.
Minute 40 of the expert panel (PDF, 428 KB)
26 June 2026 – Minute 39 The expert panel issued Minute 39 responding to Central Otago District Council and Environmental Defence Society memoranda and update on legal advice.
Minute 39 of the expert panel (PDF, 119 KB)
25 June 2026 – Minute 38 The expert panel issued Minute 38 granting the applicant's request for suspension of processing effective from 11.59pm on 26 June 2026.
Minute 38 of the expert panel (PDF, 100 KB)
25 June 2026 – Minute 37 The expert panel issued Minute 37 regarding a conference with the applicant at the conclusion of the concurrent hearings.
Minute 37 of the expert panel (PDF, 117 KB)
22 June 2026 – Minute 36 The expert panel issued Minute 36 in regard to supplementary evidence received from Sustainable Tarras and Otago.
Minute 36 of the expert panel (PDF, 105 KB)
Memorandum of Counsel for Sustainable Tarras (PDF, 178 KB)
Memorandum of Counsel for Otago Regional Council (PDF, 140 KB)
12 June 2026 – Minute 35 The expert panel issued Minute 35 in regard to the applicant's response to request for information 5 received 5 June 2026.
Minute 35 of the expert panel (PDF, 123 KB)
10 June 2026 – Minute 34 The expert panel issued Minute 34 regarding the ecology concurrent hearing scheduled for 12 June 2026.
Minute 34 of the expert panel (PDF, 105 KB)
8 June 2026 – Minute 33 The expert panel issued Minute 33 relating to a memorandum received regarding concurrent hearings.
Minute 33 of the expert panel (PDF, 107 KB)
3 June 2026 – Minute 32 The expert panel issued Minute 32 responding to three recent communications received by the panel.
Minute 32 of the expert panel (PDF, 117 KB)
29 May 2026 – Minute 31 The expert panel issued Minute 31 regarding evidence from Mr D Spring and correspondence received from Kā Rūnaka in relation to this evidence.
Minute 31 of the expert panel (PDF, 106 KB)
Email from Kā Rūnaka counsel 28 May 2026 (PDF, 51 KB)
Minutes 21–30
27 May 2026 – Minute 30 The expert panel issued Minute 30 regarding convening a number of concurrent hearings.
Minute 30 of the expert panel (PDF, 125 KB)
22 May 2026 – Minute 29 The expert panel issued Minute 29 regarding the groundwater conference report.
Minute 29 of the expert panel (PDF, 105 KB)
21 May 2026 – Minute 28 The expert panel issued Minute 28 regarding responses to recent submissions and direction on geotechnical and conference matters.
Minute 28 of the expert panel (PDF, 119 KB)
Sustainable Tarras email to Chancery Green (PDF, 190 KB)
Memorandum of counsel for Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society of New Zealand (PDF, 664 KB)
Memorandum of counsel for Central Otago Wine Growers Association (PDF, 464 KB)
Memorandum of counsel for Sustainable Tarras (PDF, 199 KB)
20 May 2026 – Minute 27
The expert panel issued Minute 27 regarding the appointment of a special advisor.
Minute 27 of the expert panel (PDF, 115 KB)
19 May 2026 – Minute 26 The expert panel issued Minute 26 outlining the expert panel's proposed timetable.
Minute 26 of the expert panel (PDF, 106 KB)
19 May 2026 – Minute 25 The expert panel issued Minute 25 responding to the memorandum from Dr John Cossen dated 17 May 2026.
Minute 25 of the expert panel (PDF, 113 KB)
Memorandum from Dr John Cossen (PDF, 138 KB)
15 May 2026 – Minute 24 The expert panel issued Minute 24 responding to the memorandum for Sustainable Tarras (ST) dated 15 May 2026.
Minute 24 of the expert panel (PDF, 113 KB)
Memorandum of Counsel for Sustainable Tarras (PDF, 245 KB)
13 May 2026 – Minute 23 The expert panel issued Minute 23 regarding groundwater expert conferencing.
Minute 23 of the expert panel (PDF, 137 KB)
13 May 2026 – Minute 22 The expert panel issued Minute 22 regarding the consideration of participation in expert conferencing by Prof. Higham and Ms. Stevens.
Minute 22 of the expert panel (PDF, 116 KB)
Memorandum of Counsel for Sustainable Tarras (PDF, 537 KB)
Memorandum of Counsel for the Environmental Defence Society (PDF, 175 KB)
EDS Affidavit of Elizabeth Anne Steven (PDF, 7 MB)
12 May 2026 – Minute 21 The expert panel issued Minute 21 acknowledging receipt of a memorandum of counsel for the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society of New Zealand dated 11 May 2026.
Minute 21 of the expert panel (PDF, 97 KB)
Memorandum of Counsel for the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society of New Zealand Inc (PDF, 368 KB)
Minutes 11–20
12 May 2026 – Minute 20 The expert panel issued Minute 20 acknowledging receipt of a memorandum of counsel for applicant dated 11 May 2026.
Minute 20 of the expert panel (PDF, 101 KB)
Memorandum of counsel on behalf of the applicant (PDF, 150 KB)
12 May 2026 – Minute 19 The expert panel issued Minute 19 regarding expert conferencing in relation to air quality.
Minute 19 of the expert panel (PDF, 104 KB)
12 May 2026 – Minute 18 Further to Minute 13, the expert panel issued Minute 18 regarding supplementing its paper relating to the proposed landscaping expert conference.
Minute 18 of the expert panel (PDF, 181 KB)
11 May 2026 – Minute 17 The expert panel issued Minute 17 responding to the Memorandum of Mr Hayden Johnston on behalf of The Canyon Vineyard Limited dated 10 May 2026.
Minute 17 of the expert panel (PDF, 102 KB)
Memorandum on behalf of The Canyon Vineyard Limited (PDF, 35 KB)
11 May 2026 – Minute 16 The expert panel issued Minute 16 responding to Environmental Defence Society Inc's extension of time request.
Minute 16 of the expert panel (PDF, 101 KB)
Memorandum of Counsel for Environmental Defence Society Inc (PDF, 147 KB)
11 May 2026 – Minute 15 The expert panel issued Minute 15 acknowledging receipt of Director-General of Conservation's memorandum dated 8 May 2026.
Minute 15 of the expert panel (PDF, 107KB)
Memorandum for Director-General of Conservation (PDF, 73 KB)
Statement of evidence – Elizabeth Williams (PDF, 148 KB)
11 May 2026 – Minute 14 The expert panel issued Minute 14 responding to Sustainable Tarras' extension of time request.
Minute 14 of the expert panel (PDF, 100 KB)
Memorandum of Counsel for Sustainable Tarras (PDF, 191 KB)
8 May 2026 – Minute 13 The expert panel issued Minute 13 regarding landscape expert conferencing.
Minute 13 of the expert panel (PDF, 109 KB)
8 May 2026 – Minute 12 The expert panel issued Minute 12 relating to the Memorandum of Counsel for the Applicant dated 7 May 2026.
Minute 12 of the expert panel (PDF, 107 KB)
Memorandum of Counsel for Matakanui Gold Limited (PDF, 1.1 MB)
7 May 2026 – Minute 11 The expert panel issued Minute 11 to acknowledge receipt of the Central Otago District Council's memorandum of counsel dated 6 May 2026.
Minute 11 of the expert panel (PDF, 109 KB)
Memorandum of counsel for Central Otago District Council (PDF, 213 KB)
Minutes 1–10
7 May 2026 – Minute 10 The expert panel issued Minute 10 responding to Matakanui Gold Limited’s extension of time request.
Minute 10 of the expert panel (PDF, 104 KB)
4 May 2026 – Minute 9 The expert panel issued Minute 9 regarding the panel’s decision to admit additional evidence from Kā Rūnaka relevant to its arguments under s 7 of the Fast-track Approvals Act.
Minute 9 of the expert panel (PDF, 103 KB)
4 May 2026 – Minute 8 The expert panel issued Minute 8 regarding proposed expert conferencing
Minute 8 of the expert panel (PDF, 321 KB)
Expert conferencing questions – economics (PDF, 138 KB)
Expert conferencing questions – waters (PDF, 96 KB)
Expert conferencing questions – transport and planning (PDF, 66 KB)
Expert conferencing questions – landscape architecture (PDF, 156 KB)
Expert conferencing questions – heritage, air, noise (PDF, 68 KB)
Expert conferencing questions – geotech (PDF, 196 KB)
Expert conferencing questions – ecology (PDF, 180 KB)
17 April 2026 – Minute 7 The expert panel issued Minute 7 regarding:
preparation for the expert conferences which the panel intends to schedule in May 2026 with the assistance of Chancery Green, environmental law and strategy specialists
the appointment of various advisers to assist the panel.
Minute 7 of the expert panel (PDF, 109 KB)
17 April 2026 – Minute 6 The expert panel issued Minute 6 regarding the panel’s decision to conduct in-person hearings in Otago during the period of 28–30 April 2026.
Minute 6 of the expert panel (PDF, 135 KB)
30 March 2026 – Minute 5 The expert panel issued Minute 5 regarding additional material, appointment of advisors and a provisional timetable.
Minute 5 of the expert panel (PDF, 120 KB)
16 March 2026 – Minute 4 The expert panel issued Minute 4 regarding the site visit and other matters.
Minute 4 of the expert panel (PDF, 317 KB)
11 March 2026 − Minute 3 The expert panel issued Minute 3 regarding invitations to comment.
Minute 3 of the expert panel (PDF, 724 KB)
Request to be invited from the Environmental Defence Society (PDF, 880 KB)
Request to be invited from Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment (PDF, 183 KB)
Request to be invited from Sustainable Tarras (PDF, 307 KB)
Request to be invited from Central Otago Winegrowers Association (PDF, 1 MB)
6 March 2026 − Minute 2 The expert panel issued Minute 2 following the project overview conference.
Minute 2 of the expert panel (PDF, 108 KB)
25 February 2026 − Minute 1 The expert panel issued Minute 1 regarding the project overview conference.
Minute 1 of the expert panel (PDF, 70 KB)
Correspondence to the expert panel 14 October 2026 Matakanui Gold Limited (the applicant) filed a memorandum of conusel responding to Minute 57 of the expert panel.
Memorandum for the applicant (PDF, 3.3 MB)
13 October 2026 Matakanui Gold Limited (the applicant) filed a memorandum of conusel responding to Minute 56 of the expert panel.
9 October 2026 The panel received the following comments, as directed in Minute 56 of the expert panel, on the proposed alternative access to Ardgour Rise which the applicant has identified.
8 October 2026 Matakanui Gold Limited’s (MGL) response to Request for Information (RFI) 12 on cushion fields referred to land managed by MGL that is located outside the Bendigo-Ohir Gold Project consent area.
Memorandum for the applicant (PDF, 2.7 MB)
6 October 2026 Matakanui Gold Limited (the applicant) responded to the memorandum filed by Sustainable Tarras as directed in Minute 55 of the expert panel.
Memorandum for the applicant (PDF, 157 KB)
5 October 2026 Matakanui Gold Limited (the applicant) provided a further memorandum of counsel to the expert panel responding to Minute 54 regarding the alternative access route.
Memorandum of counsel on behalf of the applicant - alternative access route (PDF, 12 MB)
Sustainable Tarras filed a memorandum of counsel to the expert panel requesting leave to respond to information produced by the applicant. The panel has since granted leave.
Memorandum of counsel for Sustainable Tarras (PDF, 183 KB)
Statement of evidence of Dr McAlpine on behalf of Sustainable Tarras (PDF, 279 KB)
2 October 2026 Matakanui Gold Limited (the applicant) provided a memorandum of counsel to the expert panel responding to Minute 54.
28 September 2026 The applicant provided the expert panel a response to legal submissions received and submitted updated proposed conditions.
Reply Legal Submissions on behalf of Matakanui Gold Limited (PDF, 694 KB)
CODC Land Use Consent and Conditions (DOCX, 13 MB)
CODC Land Use Consent and Conditions – Attachment G Ardgour Rise Drawings (PDF, 18 MB)
CODC Land Use Consent and Conditions – Attachment H Stantec Ardgour Rise Road Safety Review (PDF, 2 MB)
ORC Consents and Conditions (DOCX, 7 MB)
Schedule One – Common Conditions to the CODC and ORC Consents (DOCX, 20 MB)
Schedule Two – General Conditions for ORC Consents (DOCX, 12 MB)
Archaeological Authority and Conditions (DOCX, 13 MB)
Ardgour Rise Road – Easement (DOCX, 3 MB)
Ardgour Rise Fibre Optic Cable – Easement (DOCX, 5 MB)
SH8 Intersection – NZTA – Easement (DOCX, 3 MB)
SH8 Intersection – CODC – Easement (DOCX, 4 MB)
Come-In-Time – Licence (DOCX, 4 MB)
Willow Management – Licence (DOCX, 4 MB)
Water Monitoring – Licence (DOCX, 6 MB)
Wildlife Act Authority and Conditions (DOCX, 5 MB)
23 September 2026 The expert panel received a memorandum from the applicant in response to Minute 53 correcting calculations in the memorandum from Mr. Burgess (Hydro Geochem Group) dated 14 September 2014.
Memorandum from Mr. Burgess – response to Minute 53 (PDF, 894 KB)
21 September 2026 The expert panel received the following legal submissions in response to paragraph 10 of Minute 48.
18 September 2026 Environmental Defence Society (EDS) provided a memorandum to the expert panel with a request seeking leave to file further evidence. The panel granted their request. EDS also provided the supplementary statement of evidence in response to the Burgess memorandum.
Memorandum for Evironmental Defence Society (PDF, 239 KB)
Supplementary statement of evidence (PDF, 296 KB)
15 September 2026 Matakanui Gold Limited (the applicant) provided a memorandum of counsel requesting resumption of processing.
Memorandum of counsel for the applicant (PDF, 103 KB)
2 September 2026 Matakanui Gold Limited (the applicant) provided a memorandum of counsel to the expert panel responding to Minute 49.
Memorandum of counsel for the applicant (PDF, 207 KB)
Earlier correspondence to the expert panel
August 2026
28 August 2026 Otago Regional Council and Central Otago District Council provided the expert panel with a copy of the Matakinui Trust Funding Adequacy Review.
Matakinui Trust Funding Adequacy Review (PDF, 4.3 MB)
Matakanui Gold Limited (the applicant) provided a memorandum of counsel to the expert panel responding to Minute 47.
Memorandum of counsel for the applicant (PDF, 106 KB)
The applicant has also provided the expert panel with updated conditions.
00 - Mitchell Daysh Ltd (MDL) Memo - BOGP Conditions - 28 August 2026 (PDF, 215 KB)
Attachment 1 - D.01 - CODC Land Use Consent and Conditions (28 August 2026) Track Changes (DOCX, 16 MB)
Attachment 1 - D.02 - ORC Consents and Conditions (28 August 2026) Track Changes (DOCX, 7 MB)
Attachment 1 - D.03 - Schedule One - Common Conditions to the CODC and ORC Consents (28 August 2026) Track Changes (DOCX, 20 MB)
Attachment 1 - D.04 - Schedule Two - General Conditions for ORC Consents (28 August 2026) Track Changes (DOCX, 14 MB)
Attachment 2 - D.01 - CODC Land Use Consent and Conditions (28 August 2026) Clean (DOCX, 11 MB)
Attachment 2 - D.02 - ORC Consents and Conditions (28 August 2026) Clean (DOCX, 7 MB)
Attachment 2 - D.03 - Schedule One - Common Conditions to the CODC and ORC Consents (28 August 2026) Clean (DOCX, 21 MB)
Attachment 2 - D.04 - Schedule Two - General Conditions for ORC Consents (28 August 2026) Clean (DOCX, 12 MB)
Attachment 3A - HNZPT Comments on D.05 Archaeological Authority and Conditions (22 June 2026) - 270826 (PDF, 343 KB)
Attachment 3B - HNZPT Recommended Conditions (DOCX, 49 KB)
Attachment 3C - D.05 - Archaeological Authority and Conditions (28 August 2026) (DOCX, 13 MB)
Attachment 3D - BOGP Archaeological and Heritage Management Plan (28 August 2026) (PDF, 4 MB)
Attachment 3D - BOGP Archaeological and Heritage Management Plan (28 August 2026) (DOCX, 1 MB)
Attachment 4 - D.06B - Ardgour Rise Fibre Optic Cable - Easement (28 August 2026) (DOCX, 1 MB)
Attachment 4 - D.07A - SH8 intersection - NZTA - Easement (28 August 2026) (DOCX, 4 MB)
Attachment 4 - D.07B - SH8 intersection - CODC - Easement (28 August 2026) (DOCX, 4 MB)
Attachment 4 - D.08 - Come In Time - Licence (28 August 2026) (DOCX, 1 MB)
Attachment 4 - D.09 - Willow Management - Licence (28 August 2026) (DOCX, 4 MB)
Attachment 4 - D.10 - Water Monitoring - Licence (28 August 2026) (DOCX, 5 MB)
Attachment 5 - D.11 - Wildlife Act Authority and Conditions (28 August 2026) (DOCX, 8 MB)
Attachment 6 - Ardgour Rise Safety Review - Final - 300726 (PDF, 2 MB)
27 August 2026 The Environmental Defence Society Inc (EDS) provided a memorandum of counsel to the expert panel in response to the memorandum of counsel for the applicant.
Memorandum of counsel for the Environmental Defence Society (PDF, 356 KB)
26 August 2026 Sustainable Tarras provided a memorandum of counsel to the expert panel in response to the applicant's memorandum addressing Minute 46.
Memorandum of counsel for Sustainable Tarras (PDF, 228 KB)
Attachement to memorandum for Sustainable Tarras (PDF, 281 KB)
24 August 2026 Matakanui Gold Limited provided a memorandum of counsel to the expert panel responding to Minute 46.
Memorandum of counsel for the applicant (PDF, 526 KB)
21 August 2026 Central Otago District Council provided a supplementary statement of evidence of Micharl Harding to the Expert Panel regarding the spring annuals report.
Central Otago District Council – supplementary statement of evidence (PDF, 201 KB)
19 August 2026 The Environmental Defence Society Inc (EDS) provided a memorandum of counsel to the expert panel seeking leave to respond to the applicant's response to the panel's request for further information (RFI 11). They have also provided supplementary evidence of Dr Kaye-Blake.
Memorandum of counsel for the Environmental Defence Society (PDF, 286 KB)
Supplementary statement of evidence – Dr Kaye-Blake (PDF, 679 KB)
Sustainable Tarras provided the expert panel with statements responding to the applicant's submission on the economics and bonding matters raised in the panel's request for further information (RFI 11)
Sustainable Tarras – statement of Richard Mead (PDF, 247 KB)
Sustainable Tarras – statement of Edward Miller (PDF, 180 KB)
17 August 2026 Matakanui Gold Limited provided a memorandum of counsel to the expert panel responding to Minute 40.
Memorandum of Counsel for the applicant (PDF, 811 KB)
The Environmental Defence Society Inc (EDS) provided a supplementary statement of evidence of Nicholas John head terrestrial ecology to the Expert Panel regarding the spring annuals report.
Environmental Defence Society – supplementary statement of evidence (PDF, 184 KB)
14 August 2026 Sustainable Tarras provided a memorandum of counsel to the expert panel seeking leave to response to new information provided by the applicant. They also recorded their concerns that the applicant has not provided a response to RFI 11. The panel has since granted the request.
Memorandum of counsel for Sustainable Tarras (PDF, 286 KB)
13 August 2026 The Department of Conservation has provided a further statement of advice regarding the spring annuals.
Department of Conservation – further statement of evidence (PDF, 625 KB)
10 August 2026 Otago Regional Council provided a memorandum of counsel seeking leave, reserved in paragraph 9 of Minute 40, for their expert to provide comment on the 2025 Spring Annuals Survey. The panel has since granted the request.
Memorandum of Counsel for the Otago Regional Council (PDF, 149 KB)
Matakanui Gold Limited provided a memorandum of counsel to the expert panel to provide an update on the conditions workshopping process.
Memorandum of Counsel for the applicant (PDF, 436 KB)
6 August 2026 The expert panel has received a joint memorandum from Central Otago District Council (CODC), Otago Regional Council (ORC), Environmental Defence Society Inc (EDS), Director-General of Conservation (DOC) and Sustainable Tarras Inc.
Joint memorandum of counsel (PDF, 256 KB)
July 2026
27 July 2026 Matakanui Gold Limited provided a memorandum of counsel to the expert panel responding to Minute 41.
Memorandum of Counsel for the applicant (PDF, 110 KB)
24 July 2026 Environmental Defence Society provided a memorandum of counsel seeking leave, reserved in paragraph 9 of Minute 40, for their expert to provide comment on the 2025 Spring Annuals Survey. The panel has since granted the request.
Memorandum of Counsel for Environmental Defence Society (PDF, 254 KB)
23 July 2026 The Director-General of Conservation provided a memorandum of counsel seeking leave, reserved in paragraph 9 of Minute 40, for their expert to provide comment on the 2025 Spring Annuals Survey. The panel has since granted the request.
Memorandum of Counsel from Department of Conservation (PDF, 59 KB)
17 July 2026 Matakanui Gold Limited provided a memorandum of counsel to the expert panel with the supplementary landscape assessment as requested in Minute 35. The memorandum also provides an update on the upcoming conditions workshopping process.
Memorandum of Counsel for the applicant (PDF, 8.6 MB)
13 July 2026 The expert panel received a memorandum of counsel from Central Otago District Council seeking leave, reserved in paragraph 9 of Minute 40, for their expert to provide comment on the 2025 Spring Annuals Survey. The panel has since granted the request.
Memorandum of Counsel for Central Otago District Council (PDF, 119 KB)
3 July 2026 Matakanui Gold Limited provided a memorandum of counsel to the expert panel requesting that processing of the Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project resume on 17 August 2026.
Memorandum of Counsel for the applicant (PDF, 102 KB)
June 2026
26 June 2026 The applicant provided a spring annuals report in response to a request in Minute 39 of the expert panel.
Spring annuals report (PDF, 32.7 MB)
The expert panel received a memorandum from The Canyon Vineyard Limited (Tarras Vineyards) regarding water drawdown and local boundary coexistence.
Memorandum on behalf of The Canyon Vineyard (PDF, 646 KB)
25 June 2026 Matakanui Gold Limited (the applicant) provided a memorandum of counsel requesting suspension of processing under s64.
Memorandum of Counsel for the applicant (PDF, 109 KB)
24 June 2026 The expert panel received a memorandum of counsel and Abley report from Central Otago District Council (CODC) regarding transport matters.
Memorandum of Counsel for Central Otago District Council (PDF, 152 KB)
Abley Report for CODC on transportation matters (PDF, 326 KB)
The expert panel also received a memorandum of counsel from the Environmental Defence Society Inc requesting the panel request further information from the applicant regarding ecology effects management.
Memorandum of Counsel for Environmental Defence Society (PDF, 255 KB)
22 June 2026 Matakanui Gold Limited (the applicant) provided a response to the requests made by the panel in Minute 26 and Minute 29.
Memorandum of Counsel for the applicant – Response to Minute 26 (PDF, 196 KB)
Updated Proposed Conditions and Management Plans Covering Memo (PDF, 122 KB)
Memorandum of Counsel for the applicant – Legal Response to Minute 29 (PDF, 2.5 MB)
Joint Expert Response to Minute 29 – Groundwater (PDF, 13.6 MB)
Updated proposed conditions and management plans can be viewed on the substantive application page.
Substantive application
17 June 2026 The expert panel received a memorandum of counsel for Sustainable Tarras responding to a question asked by the panel in the Geotech hearing held 16 June 2026. They have also sought leave the hearing on 18 June 2026 on this matter.
Memorandum of Counsel for Sustainable Tarras (PDF, 178 KB)
16 June 2026 The expert panel received a memorandum of counsel for Otago Regional Council responding to a question asked by the panel in the landscape architecture hearing held 9 June 2026.
Memorandum of Counsel for Otago Regional Council (PDF, 140 KB)
5 June 2026 The expert panel has received memorandums of counsel on behalf of Kā Rūnaka dated 5 June 2026 regarding the concurrent hearings.
Memorandum of Counsel for Kā Rūnaka (PDF, 104 KB)
4 June 2026 The expert panel has received memorandums of counsel regarding attendance at the concurrent hearings.
Memorandum of Counsel for Matakanui Gold Limited (PDF, 156 KB)
Memorandum of Counsel for the Environmental Defence Society (PDF, 167 KB)
Memorandum of Counsel for Sustainable Tarras (PDF, 205 KB)
Memorandum of Counsel for Director-General of Conservation (PDF, 72 KB)
Memorandum of Counsel for Fish and Game (PDF, 186 KB)
May 2026
29 May 2026 The expert panel received correspondence from the New Zealand Fish and Game Council regarding the concurrent hearings.
Memorandum of Counsel for Fish and Game (PDF, 192 KB)
Email to EPA on behalf of Fish and Game (PDF, 741 KB)
28 May 2026 The expert panel received correspondence from Kā Rūnaka regarding Mr D Spring's evidence.
Email from Kā Rūnaka counsel 28 May 2026 (PDF, 51 KB)
26 May 2026 A memorandum of counsel was filed on behalf of Matakanui Gold Limited (the applicant) regarding a minor correction to Mr Patterson's evidence.
Memorandum of Counsel for Matakanui Gold Limited (PDF, 150 MB)
22 May 2026 Matakanui Gold Limited provided a statement of evidence of Damian Francis Spring in response to Minute 10 of the expert panel.
Statement of evidence of Damian Francis Spring (PDF, 2.1 MB)
21 May 2026 The expert panel received an errata of E A Steven from the Environmental Defence Society Incorporated.
Errata of E A Steven – EDS (PDF, 4.3 MB)
20 May 2026 The expert panel received correspondence from Sustainable Tarras email to Chancery Green requesting additional topics/questions for geotech resumed conference.
Sustainable Tarras email to Chancery Green (PDF, 190 KB)
The expert panel also received memorandums of counsel on behalf of the Central Otago Winegrowers Association Incorporated, Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society of New Zealand Inc and Sustainable Tarras date 20 May 2026.
Memorandum of Counsel Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society of New Zealand (PDF, 664 KB)
Memorandum of Counsel Central Otago Wine Growers Association (PDF, 464 KB)
Memorandum of Counsel for Sustainable Tarras (PDF, 199 KB)
18 May 2026 A memorandum of counsel was filed on behalf of Matakanui Gold Limited (the applicant) in response to Minute 21 issued by the expert panel.
Memorandum of Counsel for Matakanui Gold Limited (PDF, 9 MB)
The EPA has received a memorandum from Dr John Cossens dated 17 May 2026.
Memorandum from Dr John Cossen (PDF, 138 KB)
15 May 2026 The EPA has received a memorandum of counsel for Sustainable Tarras responding to Minute 20
Memorandum of Counsel for Sustainable Tarras (PDF, 245 KB)
12 May 2026 Memoranda of counsel for Sustainable Tarras and the Environmental Defence Society (EDS) have been provided responding to Minute 12.
Memorandum of Counsel for Sustainable Tarras (PDF, 537 KB)
Memorandum of Counsel for the Environmental Defence Society (PDF, 175 KB)
EDS Affidavit of Elizabeth Anne Steven (PDF, 7 MB)
11 May 2026 A memorandum of counsel was filed by Matakanui Gold Limited (the applicant) regarding expert conferencing.
Memorandum of counsel on behalf of the applicant (PDF, 150 KB)
Responses to Minute 12 The EPA has received a memorandum of counsel for Environmental Defence Society Inc in response to Minute 12 requesting an extension to the timeframe.
Memorandum of Counsel for Environmental Defence Society Inc (PDF, 147 KB)
A memorandum of counsel for the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society of New Zealand Inc was received in response to Minute 12.
Memorandum of Counsel for the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society of New Zealand Inc (PDF, 368 KB)
10 May 2026 Response to Minute 12 The EPA has received the follow response to Minute 12 of expert panel.
Memorandum on behalf of The Canyon Vineyard Limited (PDF, 35 KB)
8 May 2026 Response to Minute 8 A memorandum of counsel and statement of evidence was filed by the Department of Conservation in response to Minute 8 expert conferencing.
Memorandum for Director-General of Conservation (PDF, 73 KB)
Statement of evidence – Elizabeth Williams (PDF, 148 KB)
Response to Minute 12 The EPA has received a memorandum of counsel for Sustainable Tarras in response to Minute 12 requesting an extension to the timeframe.
Memorandum of Counsel for Sustainable Tarras (PDF, 191 KB)
7 May 2026 Response to Minute 8 Matakanui Gold Limited (the applicant) provide a response to Minute 8 of the expert panel regarding expert conferencing.
Memorandum of Counsel for Matakanui Gold Limited (PDF, 1.1 MB)
6 May 2026 Responses to Minute 8 The EPA has received the following responses to Minute 8 of the expert panel regarding expert conferencing.
Di Lucas – response to Minute 8 (PDF, 132 KB)
Peter Rough – response to Minute 8 (PDF, 295 KB)
Response to Minute 9 The applicant provided a memorandum of counsel responding to Minute 9 of the expert panel regarding the panel's decision to admit additional evidence from Kā Rūnaka.
Memorandum of counsel for Matakanui Gold Limited (PDF, 116 KB)
Central Otago District Council (CODC) A memorandum of counsel was filed by CODC in response to a question raised by Commissioner Barry during the expert panel hearing on 29 April 2026.
Memorandum of counsel for Central Otago District Council (PDF, 213 KB)
December 2025 – April 2026
22 April 2026 The EPA has received the following responses to Minute 7 of the expert panel regarding expert conferencing.
Central Otago District Council (PDF, 795 KB)
Department of Conservation (PDF, 629 KB)
Environmental Defence Society Incorporated (PDF, 172 KB)
Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga (PDF, 280 KB)
Kā Rūnaka (PDF, 87 KB)
Matakanui Gold Limited (PDF, 293 KB)
New Zealand Fish and Game Council and Otago Fish and Game Council (PDF, 213 KB)
New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (PDF, 156 KB)
Otago Regional Council (PDF, 216 KB)
Sustainable Tarras (PDF, 258 KB)
10 April 2026 The Department of Conservation provided a memorandum of counsel responding to Minute 5 of the expert panel.
Memorandum of Counsel from Department of Conservation (PDF, 72 KB)
2 April 2026 The Environmental Defence Society INC (EDS) provided a memorandum of counsel responding to Minute 5 of the expert panel.
Memorandum of counsel from EDS (PDF, 54 KB)
31 March 2026 The Otago Regional Council provided a memorandum of counsel responding to Minute 5 of the expert panel.
Memorandum of counsel from Otago Regional Council (PDF, 161 KB)
12 December 2025 The applicant provided a memorandum of counsel responding to minute of the Panel Convener regarding timeframe.
Memorandum of counsel from applicant (PDF, 138 KB)
Minutes of the panel convener 4 February 2026 − Minute 5 The panel convener issued Minute 5 advising of the expert panel appointments and decision timeframe
Minute 5 of the panel convener (PDF, 168 KB)
21 January 2026 − Minute 4 The panel convener issued Minute 4 regarding a prospective expert panel member.
Minute 4 of the panel convener (PDF, 137 KB)
18 December 2025 − Minute 3 regarding convener conference The panel convener issued Minute 3 regarding the convener conference.
Minute 3 of the panel convener (PDF, 150 KB)
9 December 2025 – Minute 2 regarding the timeframe The panel convener issued Minute 2 regarding the applicant's expectations relating to the timeframe.
Minute 2 of the panel convener (PDF, 102 KB)
9 December 2025 – Minute 1 regarding a conference The panel convener issued Minute 1 regarding a conference to be held for the Bendigo-Ophir Gold project.
Minute 1 of the panel convener (PDF, 161 KB)
8 December 2025 − Minute requesting section 51 report The panel convener issued a Minute requesting advice from the Department of Conservation and Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga under section 51 of the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024.
Minute of the panel convener (PDF, 150 KB)