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From:
9(2)(a)
To:
Penny Simmonds
Subject:
Re: 2 August meeting with Todd McCleay
Date:
Thursday, 23 January 2025 5:09:49 PM
Its part of an OIA request from Why Waste Waimate as follows. 
Dear Minister.
Under the Official Information Act 1982, I make the following request:
 
1982
Minister Simmonds met with Todd McCleay from Smart Environmental on August 2,  2024.  What was the nature
of this meeting? Specifically, was the acquisition of Smart Environmental by Singapore based
companies Blue Planet Mantis Limited and Blue Planet Special Waste Solutions Pte discussed?
Act 
I request all information and communication between Minister Simmonds or her office and Smart Environmental,
or any representative of Smart Environmental, pertaining to Blue Planet Mantis Limited and Blue Planet Special
Waste Solutions Pte.
I also request any information and communication between Minister Simmonds or her office and the following
companies; Convergence Communications, Renew Energy Limited or South Island Resource Recovery Limited, or
any representative of these companies.
Finally, I request all communication and information held by the Minister or her office in regard to South Island
Resource Recovery Limited (SIRRL) and its plans to build a waste to Energy plant in New Zealand. This should
include, but not limited to, the importation or transportation of waste.Information 
Regards Robert Ireland.
9(2)(a)
 
Ministerial Advisor | Office of Hon Penny Simmonds 
Minister for the Environment | Vocational Education
Associate Minister for Social Development & Employment
Official 
 
DDI: 9(2)(a)
  
Email: 9(2)(a) @parliament.govt.nz   Website: www.Beehive,govt.nz  
Private Bag 18041, Parliament Buildings, Wellington 6160, New Zealand 
Authorised by Hon Penny Simmonds, Parliament Buildings, Wellington
the 
From: Penny Simmonds <[email address]>
Sent: Thursday, January 23, 2025 5:07 PM
To: 9(2)(a)
@parliament.govt.nz>
under 
Subject: RE: 2 August meeting with Todd McCleay
 
I don’t think so – why ?
 
From: 9(2)(a)
@parliament.govt.nz> 
Sent: Thursday, 23 January 2025 4:47 PM
To: Penny Simmonds <[email address]>
Subject: Re: 2 August meeting with Todd McCleay
 
It was after we went to the Polytech tahts run by Sam lotu-iiga 
Released 
 
 
 
 
9(2)(a)
 
Ministerial Advisor | Office of Hon Penny Simmonds 
Minister for the Environment | Tertiary Education & Skills



Associate Minister for Social Development & Employment
  DDI: 9(2)(a)
  
Email: 9(2)(a) @parliament.govt.nz   Website: www.Beehive,govt.nz  
Private Bag 18041, Parliament Buildings, Wellington 6160, New Zealand 
Authorised by Hon Penny Simmonds, Parliament Buildings, Wellington
 
From: Penny Simmonds <[email address]>
1982
Sent: Thursday, January 23, 2025 4:37 PM
To: 9(2)(a)
@parliament.govt.nz>
Subject: RE: 2 August meeting with Todd McCleay
 
Act 
When was the meeting ? I don’t believe so. But may have why ?
 
From: 9(2)(a)
@parliament.govt.nz> 
Sent: Thursday, 23 January 2025 4:31 PM
To: Penny Simmonds <[email address]>
Subject: Fw: 2 August meeting with Todd McCleay
 
 
 
 
9(2)(a)
 
Information 
Ministerial Advisor | Office of Hon Penny Simmonds 
Minister for the Environment | Tertiary Education & Skills
Associate Minister for Social Development & Employment
  DDI: 9(2)(a)
  
Email: 9(2)(a) @parliament.govt.nz   Website: www.Beehive,govt.nz  
Private Bag 18041, Parliament Buildings, Wellington 6160, New Zealand 
Authorised by Hon Penny Simmonds, Parliament Buildings, Wellington
Official 
 
the 
From: 9(2)(a)
@parliament.govt.nz>
Sent: Thursday, January 23, 2025 3:18 PM
To: 9(2)(a)
@parliament.govt.nz>
Subject: 2 August meeting with Todd McCleay
 
Hi 9(2)(a)
 
under 
Can you ask the Minister if she recalls if the acquisition of Smart Environmental by Singapore based companies Blue Planet
Mantis Limited and Blue Planet Special Waste Solutions Pte was discussed in her meeting with Todd McCleay, CEO of Smart
Environmental?
 
Kind regards,
9(2)(a)
 (Administration) | Office of Hon Penny Simmonds
Minister for the Environment | Tertiary Education and Skills
Associate Minister for Social Development and Employment
 
P: 04 817 6815
Released  Private Bag 18041, Parliament Buildings, Wellington 6160, New Zealand
Authorised by Hon Penny Simmonds, Parliament Buildings, Wellington
 
Disclaimer: The information in this email (including attachments) is confidential and may be legally privileged. If an addressing or transmission error has
misdirected this email, please notify the author by replying to this email and destroy the message. If you are not the intended recipient, any use, disclosure,
copying or distribution is prohibited and may be unlawful.
 
From:
9(2)(a)
To:
Penny Simmonds
Cc:
9(2)(a)
Subject:
FYI - Te Awamutu waste to energy plant update
Date:
Friday, 20 December 2024 10:12:58 AM
Attachments:
Outlook-0qpapzeh.png
LATEST VERSION Minute 03 Inital timetable and inquiry informatio.docx
HI Minister,
 
FYI below – I have let 9(2)(a)know there are no issues and I will manage media reactively as needed,
 
1982
I only have only ever had 2 locally focused queries previously from the same journalist.
 
Ngā mihi,
9(2)(a)
Act 
 
9(2)(a)
 (she/her)
ce of Hon. Penny Simmonds 
Mobile: 9(2)(a)
  
 
From: 9(2)(a)
@parliament.govt.nz> 
Sent: Friday, 20 December 2024 10:06 AM
To: 9(2)(a)
@parliament.govt.nz>; 9(2)(a)
@parliament.govt.nz>
Subject: FW: Te Awamutu waste to energy plant update
Information 
 
Hi 9(2)(a)
 
Heads up on this – not sure if you were aware this was coming? I wasn’t… Any issues
please let me know asap 
Official 
 
Cheers
 
the 
9(2)(a)
 
From: 9(2)(a)
@epa.govt.nz> 
Sent: Friday, 20 December 2024 10:01 AM
under 
To: 9(2)(a)
@parliament.govt.nz>; 9(2)(a)
@parliament.govt.nz>; 9(2)(a)
@parliament.govt.nz>
Cc: 9(2)(a)
@epa.govt.nz>; 9(2)(a)
@epa.govt.nz>;
9(2)(a)
@mfe.govt.nz>
Subject: Te Awamutu waste to energy plant update
 
Kia ora koutou,
Released 
 
FYI, we are planning to issue a media release on Monday signalling next steps for the
resource consent application for the Te Awamutu waste to energy plant.
 
It will include information from the attached Board minute, which will be issued to the

applicant and submitters today. 
 
Ngā mihi,
9(2)(a)
Principal Adviser, Government Engagement
 
1982
9(2)(a)
 
Act 
 
 
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. 
Our New Zealand Business Number is 9429041901977. 
This email message and any attachment(s) are intended for the addressee(s) only. 
Information 
If you receive this message in error, please notify the sender and delete the message and any attachment(s). 
 
Official 
the 
under 
Released 

BOARD MINUTE 
 
 
IN THE MATTER 
 
of the Resource Management Act 1991 
AND 
1982
IN THE MATTER 
of a Board of Inquiry appointed under s149J of the Resource 
Management Act 1991 to consider the application for resource 
consents by Global Consulting Services Ltd to construct and 
Act 
operate a waste to energy plant in Te Awamutu. 
THE BOARD OF INQUIRY  Brian Dwyer - Chairman 
Nicholas Manukau 
Myles McCauley 
 
DATE   
 
 
Friday 20 December 2024 
 
Information 
BOARD MINUTE NO. 3 
INITIAL TIMETABLE & INQUIRY INFORMATION 
 
Introduction 
Official 
1.  The purpose of the Minute is to set out an initial timetable (particularly for the exchange of 
evidence) and to advise of the Board’s intention to hold a pre-hearing meeting. The Minute also 
the 
provides procedural information which will be updated and added to during the inquiry process as 
appropriate. 
2.  Draft Inquiry Procedures are provided on the EPA website at this link <insert link>. 
Hearing  under 
3.  A Notice of Hearing wil  be issued confirming the location, time and place of the hearing no less 
than 10 working days before the hearing commences. The Board anticipates holding the hearing 
during mid-June 2025, approximately three weeks in duration.  
4.  Section 149L(2)(a) of the RMA requires the hearing to be held near the area to which the 
application relates. Due to the need for a large venue, the Board anticipates that the hearing wil  
be held in the FMG Stadium in Hamilton although the Board is also open to scheduling some days 
in a suitable venue in Te Awamutu to hear from local unrepresented submitters, if practicable.  
Released 
5.  Hearing information is provided in the draft Inquiry Procedures at the link provided above. 
 
 
1 
Pre-hearing meeting 
6.  The Board intends to hold a pre-hearing meeting of parties wishing to be heard commencing 
10:30am on Thursday 20 February 2025. The pre-hearing meeting wil  be held at the FMG 
Stadium.  
7.  The purpose of the pre-hearing meeting is to discuss procedural matters only. It is not to discuss 
in detail any evidence or position of parties on the matters the Board must ultimately determine. 
The pre-hearing meeting wil  be transcribed and Board directions on the matters that are 
discussed wil  be issued fol owing the meeting. 
1982
8.  Please communicate your intention to attend the pre-hearing meeting and any agenda 
suggestions to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) at [email address] or on 
0800 426 843 by 5pm on Monday 10 February 2025.  
Act 
9.  An agenda wil  be distributed prior to the pre-hearing meeting. At this stage, the topics that are 
proposed for discussion are as fol ows: 
a.  Board member register of interests; 
b.  Recording of the names of all who wish to be heard in the inquiry, and their counsel or 
other representatives (if any); 
c.  Identification by submitters of any expert or other witnesses they are to cal  at the hearing, 
together with expert witnesses’ areas of expertise, contact details and confirmation of 
availability to prepare briefs of evidence and participate in expert conferencing during the 
Information 
pre-hearing window. Parties intending to instruct expert witnesses must confirm their 
availability for this process at the pre-hearing meeting. The Board urges parties intending 
to call expert witnesses to instruct those witnesses as a matter of urgency to comply with 
this requirement; 
d.  Date for cross-examination notices; 
e.  Whether there are any legal questions as to the Board’s jurisdiction or the standing of the 
Official 
parties or otherwise that should be argued as preliminary points to the substantive hearing; 
f.  Joint representation of persons and bodies having similar interests. It is noted that a 
the 
number of submitters fal  into this category, for example iwi/tangata whenua groups, 
environmental groups, local residents and community groups; 
g.  Arrangements for the orderly production and identification of exhibits and a common 
bundle of documents; 
h.  The draft Inquiry Procedures (see above link), including the timetable for the actions 
under 
required of parties leading up to the hearing; 
i.  Any suggestions about the time and place of the hearing, the procedures to be fol owed at 
the hearing and the likely duration of the hearing; 
j.  Site visits, including the process for making suggestions for the Board to visit a particular 
place and the participants in any site visit; and 
k.  Any other matters that parties raise in writing for consideration prior to the pre-hearing 
meeting in accordance with paragraph 8 (above). 
Released 
Friend of Submitters 
10.  The Board has appointed Belinda Messenger (planning consultant) as a Friend of Submitters to 
assist unrepresented submitters during this inquiry. Ms Messenger has been appointed due to her 
2 
 

1982
Act 
Information 
Official 
the 
under 
Released 
witnesses who are directed to attend expert conferencing may attend any al ocated sessions and 
parties/counsel are not permitted to attend or observe expert conferencing sessions. 
21.  The law firm Chancery Green has been engaged to organise and facilitate the conferencing 
sessions as wel  as overseeing the preparation of a Joint Witness Statement for each session. 
Contact details for Chancery Green wil  be in the Board directions on expert conferencing. 
Advice and reports to the Board 
22.  Under section 149G(3) of the RMA the EPA commissioned the Waikato Regional Council and the  1982
Waipā District Council to prepare Key Issues Reports. These were made available on the EPA 
website at the time of public notification.  
23.  Under section 149L(1) and section 92 of the RMA the Board can commission additional  Act 
comments and further reports from independent specialists to assist the Board where necessary. 
The Board has already commissioned Mr John Iseli of Specialised Environmental Services to 
provide advice on air quality matters, if required, and it anticipates that further specialists wil  be 
instructed.  
24.  Under section 149L(5) of the RMA, the Board can obtain planning advice. At this stage, the Board 
indicates that it will likely commission planning advice on consent conditions.  
25.  Any reports provided to the Board wil  be available on the EPA website. The authors of these 
documents may be required to participant in expert conferencing and appear at the hearing. 
26.  Law firm Chapman Tripp as has been appointed as external legal counsel to assist the Board. 
Information 
The Board may request the legal advisor to provide advice on specific issues before, during, or 
after the hearing or may request the legal advisor to present submissions at the hearing. The 
Board has discretion over disclosure or waiver of legal privilege over any legal advice it receives. 
Communication to and from the Board and EPA 
Official 
27.  Al  communication to the Board in relation to the processing of the application must be made via 
the EPA via the fol owing options: 
•  Email: [email address] (emails need to be smal er than 10 MB); or 
the 
•  Mail: Te Awamutu Application, Environment Protection Authority, Private Bag 63002, 
Wel ington 6140; or 
•  Phone: on freephone 0800 426 843; or 
•  Delivery in person: to Te Awamutu Application, Environmental Protection Authority, Stewart 
Dawson Corner, 366 Lambton Quay, Wel ington 6011 (entrance on Wil is Street, just to the 
right of 2 Wil is Street). 
under 
28.  Generally, al  correspondence from the parties to the Board wil  be made available on the website, 
unless otherwise directed by the Board or if it is of a purely administrative nature.  The EPA wil  
redact certain contact details from the correspondence (in particular a submitter’s personal email 
address and phone number) but wil  not redact the contact details of companies or a party’s legal 
counsel.  
29.  Any public communication from the Board wil  generally take the form of a Minute issued by the 
EPA by email with links to relevant documents on the EPA website (including evidence 
Released 
exchange). 
 
For the Board: 
 
 
4 
 

1982
Act 
Information 
Official 
the 
under 
Released 
Dear Minister,
In December 2021, Waipā District Council and Waikato Regional Council received resource consent
applications to build and operate a waste-to-energy plant.
The fol owing September, Waimate District Council and Canterbury Regional Council (ECan) 
received resource consent to build a waste-to-energy plant.
While both proposals share a common process and technology, the Waimate proposal stands out 
with more than double the processing capacity of the Te Awamutu project.
After considering SIRRL's proposal, Waimate DC and ECan requested that Former Environment  1982
Minister David Parker cal  in the Waimate waste-to-energy proposal. After taking direction from 
the EPA, in August 2023, Parker cal ed in the proposal, stating that it was of "national significance" 
and referred it to the Environment Court.
Act 
In an identical move, Waipā District Council and Waikato Regional Council requested that current 
Environment Minister Penny Simmonds cal  in the Te Awamutu waste-to-energy proposal. After 
receiving direction from the EPA in August 2024, Simmonds cal ed in the proposal, stating it was 
"of national significance" and referred it to a board of inquiry.
However, that's where the similarities end.
Less than two months after Minister Simmonds decided to cal  in the Te Awamutu proposal, the 
government released the list of 149 projects selected for fast-tracking, including SIRRL's Project 
Kea waste-to-energy proposal.
Information 
This decision raises questions about government inconsistency. Why was the Waimate proposal 
removed from the Environment Court and included for fast-tracking just weeks after the Te 
Awamutu proposal was referred to a board of inquiry by the same government?
Surely, if both proposals are of national significance, and use similar processes with similar effects, 
they should both be subject to the same level of scrutiny. In fact, given that the Waimate proposal 
is more than twice the size and, therefore, has twice the impact, it's essential that the proposal is 
Official 
subjected to the highest level of scrutiny available.
Furthermore, as you are likely aware, in 2023, WWW successfully applied for Environmental Legal 
the 
Assistance funding of $50,000. This funding was al ocated to legal representation and expert 
witnesses to contest SIRRL's Environment Court hearing.
WWW has been informed that the current government has removed the Environmental Legal 
Assistance Fund, and existing contracts wil  not be honoured. This would, of course, includes 
WWW's funding. under 
This suggestion is hugely disappointing and a blow to WWW's dedication and hard work. Over the 
past three years, WWW has fought tirelessly to have this proposal heard in the Environment Court,
where it would be scrutinised as a proposal of national significance.
Not only has the Fast-Tracking of Project Kea removed this proposal from the much-needed court 
scrutiny, but it has also removed local communities' input into the process. Now It is with 
deep disappointment and frustration that we learn of the potential removal of our ELA funding by 
the government.
Released 
Please answer the fol owing questions:
1.Can you confirm that WWW wil  no longer have access to the ELA funding it acquired last 
year?
2.Please provide a full explanation as to why the ELA funding has been scrapped.
3.Please explain the inconsistent approach. Why did you choose to cal  in the Te Awamutu 
proposal (half the size of the Waimate proposal) for a board of inquiry, and yet the 
Waimate proposal was removed from the Environment Court and selected for fast-tracking 
by the government?
Regards
Robert Ireland
Why Waste Waimate
1982
www.whywastewaimate.com
Act 
Information 
Official 
the 
under 
Released 

From:
9(2)(a)
 on behalf of Penny Simmonds (MIN)
To:
Why Waste Waimate
Subject:
RE: OIA request
Date:
Tuesday, 28 January 2025 2:06:00 PM
Hi Robert,
 
Confirming we received your email on the 17th of December and a response is due to be signed by the Minister shortly.
You should receive this early next week.
 
Kind regards,
9(2)(a)
 (Administration) | Office of Hon Penny Simmonds
1982
Minister for the Environment | Vocational Education
Associate Minister for Social Development and Employment
 
P: 04 817 6815
Private Bag 18041, Parliament Buildings, Wellington 6160, New Zealand
Act 
Authorised by Hon Penny Simmonds, Parliament Buildings, Wellington
 
Disclaimer: The information in this email (including attachments) is confidential and may be legally privileged. If an addressing or transmission error has
misdirected this email, please notify the author by replying to this email and destroy the message. If you are not the intended recipient, any use, disclosure,
copying or distribution is prohibited and may be unlawful.
 
From: Why Waste Waimate <[email address]> 
Sent: Tuesday, 28 January 2025 1:59 PM
To: Penny Simmonds (MIN) <[email address]>
Subject: Re: OIA request
 
Dear Minister,
Information 
 
Thank you for your recent response to my OIA request.
 
I am following up on a letter I sent you on December 17, 2024 (content pasted below)
I would appreciate a response to my questions as soon as possible.
 
Thank you
Official 
Regards Robert
 
 
the 
Dear Minister,
 
In December 2021, Waipā District Council and Waikato Regional Council received resource consent applications to
build and operate a waste-to-energy plant.
The following September, Waimate District Council and Canterbury Regional Council (ECan) received resource consent
to build a waste-to-energy plant.
under 
While both proposals share a common process and technology, the Waimate proposal stands out with more than
double the processing capacity of the Te Awamutu project.
 
After considering SIRRL's proposal, Waimate DC and ECan requested that Former Environment Minister David Parker
call in the Waimate waste-to-energy proposal. After taking direction from the EPA, in August 2023, Parker called in the
proposal, stating that it was of "national significance" and referred it to the Environment Court.
In an identical move, Waipā District Council and Waikato Regional Council requested that current Environment Minister
Penny Simmonds call in the Te Awamutu waste-to-energy proposal. After receiving direction from the EPA in August
2024, Simmonds called in the proposal, stating it was "of national significance" and referred it to a board of inquiry.
Released 
 
However, that's where the similarities end.
Less than two months after Minister Simmonds decided to call in the Te Awamutu proposal, the government released
the list of 149 projects selected for fast-tracking, including SIRRL's Project Kea waste-to-energy proposal.
This decision raises questions about government inconsistency. Why was the Waimate proposal removed from the
Environment Court and included for fast-tracking just weeks after the Te Awamutu proposal was referred to a board of

inquiry by the same government?
Surely, if both proposals are of national significance, and use similar processes with similar effects, they should both be
subject to the same level of scrutiny. In fact, given that the Waimate proposal is more than twice the size and, therefore,
has twice the impact, it's essential that the proposal is subjected to the highest level of scrutiny available.
 
Furthermore, as you are likely aware, in 2023, WWW successfully applied for Environmental Legal Assistance funding of
$50,000. This funding was allocated to legal representation and expert witnesses to contest SIRRL's Environment Court
hearing.
WWW has been informed that the current government has removed the Environmental Legal Assistance Fund, and
existing contracts will not be honoured. This would, of course, includes WWW's funding.
This suggestion is hugely disappointing and a blow to WWW's dedication and hard work. Over the past three years,
1982
WWW has fought tirelessly to have this proposal heard in the Environment Court, where it would be scrutinised as a
proposal of national significance.
Not only has the Fast-Tracking of Project Kea removed this proposal from the much-needed court scrutiny, but it has
Act 
also removed local communities' input into the process. Now It is with deep disappointment and frustration that we
learn of the potential removal of our ELA funding by the government.
 
Please answer the following questions:
 
1.  Can you confirm that WWW will no longer have access to the ELA funding it acquired last year?
2.  Please provide a full explanation as to why the ELA funding has been scrapped.
3.  Please explain the inconsistent approach. Why did you choose to call in the Te Awamutu proposal (half the size of
the Waimate proposal) for a board of inquiry, and yet the Waimate proposal was removed from the Environment
Information 
Court and selected for fast-tracking by the government?
 
Regards
Robert Ireland
Why Waste Waimate
www.whywastewaimate.com
Official 
 
 
From: 9(2)(a)
@parliament.govt.nz> on behalf of Penny Simmonds (MIN) <[email address]>
the 
Sent: Tuesday, January 28, 2025 11:14 AM
To: [email address] <[email address]>
Subject: FW: OIA request
 
Dear Robert,
 
under 
On behalf of Hon Penny Simmonds, Minister for the Environment, please find attached a response to your OIA request.
 
Kind regards,
9(2)(a)
 (Administration) | Office of Hon Penny Simmonds
Minister for the Environment | Vocational Education
Associate Minister for Social Development and Employment
 
P: 04 817 6815
Private Bag 18041, Parliament Buildings, Wellington 6160, New Zealand
Authorised by Hon Penny Simmonds, Parliament Buildings, Wellington
 
Released 
Disclaimer: The information in this email (including attachments) is confidential and may be legally privileged. If an addressing or transmission error has
misdirected this email, please notify the author by replying to this email and destroy the message. If you are not the intended recipient, any use, disclosure,
copying or distribution is prohibited and may be unlawful.
 
From: 9(2)(a)
 On Behalf Of Penny Simmonds (MIN)
Sent: Tuesday, 10 December 2024 12:07 PM
To: Why Waste Waimate <[email address]>

Subject: RE: OIA request
 
Dear Robert,
Thank you for your email of 9 December in which you submitted an Official Information Act request, which reads as
follows:
Minister Simmonds met with Todd McCleay from Smart Environmental on August 2,  2024.  What was the
nature of this meeting? Specifically, was the acquisition of Smart Environmental by Singapore based
companies Blue Planet Mantis Limited and Blue Planet Special Waste Solutions Pte discussed?
I request all information and communication between Minister Simmonds or her office and Smart
Environmental, or any representative of Smart Environmental, pertaining to Blue Planet Mantis Limited and
Blue Planet Special Waste Solutions Pte.
1982
I also request any information and communication between Minister Simmonds or her office and the
following companies; Convergence Communications, Renew Energy Limited or South Island Resource
Recovery Limited, or any representative of these companies.
Act 
Finally, I request all communication and information held by the Minister or her office in regard to South
Island Resource Recovery Limited (SIRRL) and its plans to build a waste to Energy plant in New Zealand.
This should include, but not limited to, the importation or transportation of waste.
Minister Simmonds is considering your request in accordance with the Act, and you can expect a response by 28 January
2025.
 
Kind regards,
9(2)(a)
 (Administration) | Office of Hon Penny Simmonds
Minister for the Environment | Tertiary Education and Skills
Associate Minister for Social Development and Employment
 
P: 04 817 6815
Private Bag 18041, Parliament Buildings, Wellington 6160, New Zealand
Information 
Authorised by Hon Penny Simmonds, Parliament Buildings, Wellington
 
Disclaimer: The information in this email (including attachments) is confidential and may be legally privileged. If an addressing or transmission error has
misdirected this email, please notify the author by replying to this email and destroy the message. If you are not the intended recipient, any use, disclosure,
copying or distribution is prohibited and may be unlawful.
 
From: Why Waste Waimate <[email address]> 
Sent:
Official 
 Monday, 9 December 2024 5:29 PM
To: Penny Simmonds (MIN) <[email address]>; Penny Simmonds <[email address]>
Subject: OIA request
 
the 
Dear Minister.
 
Under the Official Information Act 1982, I make the following request:
under 
 
Minister Simmonds met with Todd McCleay from Smart Environmental on August 2,  2024.  What was the nature
of this meeting? Specifically, was the acquisition of Smart Environmental by Singapore based companies Blue
Planet Mantis Limited and Blue Planet Special Waste Solutions Pte discussed?
I request all information and communication between Minister Simmonds or her office and Smart Environmental,
or any representative of Smart Environmental, pertaining to Blue Planet Mantis Limited and Blue Planet Special
Waste Solutions Pte.
Released 
I also request any information and communication between Minister Simmonds or her office and the following
companies; Convergence Communications, Renew Energy Limited or South Island Resource Recovery Limited, or
any representative of these companies.
Finally, I request all communication and information held by the Minister or her office in regard to South Island
Resource Recovery Limited (SIRRL) and its plans to build a waste to Energy plant in New Zealand. This should
include, but not limited to, the importation or transportation of waste.
Regards Robert Ireland.
 
 
1982
Act 
Information 
Official 
the 
under 
Released 


 
 
 
 
14 February 2025 
PSME-OI-24-058/OIAM-727 
 
Marc Daalder 
1982
Senior Political Reporter 
Newsroom NZ 
[email address] 
 
Act 
 
 
Dear Marc 
 
Thank you for your email of 18 December 2024 requesting the following under the Of icial 
Information Act 1982 (the Act): 
 
-  A list of all briefings, reports, aide memoirs and memos produced or received by the 
Minister for the Environment between October 1, 2024 and November 30, 2024. 
-  The September 5, 2024 document “BRF-4969: Prioritising actions to improve 
environmental data” 
Information 
-  The September 9, 2024 document “BRF-5287: National Iwi Chairs forum lead Ministers 
meeting 11 September” 
-  The September 20, 2024 document “BRF-5359 - Climate Priorities Ministerial Group 
meeting” 
-  The September 20, 2024 document “BRF-5262 - Air Quality Advice Reports” 
-  The September 27, 2024 document “BRF-5363 - Landfil  compliance issues” 
Official 
I received 72 briefings from the Ministry for the Environment (the Ministry) between 1 October and 
30 November 2024, as per the document title schedule below. I am releasing 70 of these titles to 
you in full and withholding two in full under section 9(2)(f)(iv) of the Act, to maintain the constitutional 
the 
conventions for the time being which protect the confidentiality of advice tendered by Ministers of 
the Crown and officials. 
Regarding your request for copies of five briefings, I have identified 12 documents (the requested 
five briefings and appendices)  in scope of your request, as listed in the attached document 
schedule. Some information within these documents has  been withheld  under the following 
sections of the Act: 
under 
9(2)(a) 
to protect the privacy of natural persons. 
9(2)(f)(iv)  to maintain the constitutional conventions for the time being which protect the 
confidentiality of advice tendered by Ministers of the Crown and officials. 
9(2)(h) 
to maintain legal professional privilege. 
In terms of section 9(1) of the Act, I am satisfied that, in the circumstances, the withholding of this 
information is not outweighed by other considerations that render it desirable to make the 
information available in the public interest. 
Released 
I am refusing your request for document 4 (BRF-5359  -  Climate Priorities Ministerial Group 
meeting) in full under section 18(d) of the Act, as this briefing wil  soon be proactively released on 
the Ministry for the Environment’s website, within the next two weeks. 
 
You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Of ice of the Ombudsman of my 
decision to withhold information relating to this request, in accordance with section 28(3) of the Act. 
The relevant details can be found on their website at: www.ombudsman.parliament.nz.   
 
1982
Please contact my office if you have any queries about this response. 
 
Kind regards, 
 
Act 
 
 
 
 
Hon. Penny Simmonds 
Minister for the Environment 
 
 
 
Information 
Official 
the 
under 
Released 
 
Document schedule 
Document  Document 
Content 
Decisions 
OIA sections 
no. 
date 
applied 
1 
5 Sept 2024  Briefing: BRF-4969: 
Released in part  9(2)(a) to protect 
Prioritising actions to 
the privacy of 
improve 
natural persons 
environmental data 
and 9(2)(f)(iv) to 
protect the 
confidentiality of 
advice tendered. 
1982
1a 
5 Sept 2024  Briefing appendix 
Released in full  N/A 
BRF-4969: Appendix 
1 Proposed priority 
Act 
actions for data 
improvements across 
Ministerial portfolios 
1b 
5 Sept 2024  Briefing appendix 
Released in full  N/A 
BRF-4969: Appendix 
2 Indicative detailed 
natural hazards and 
land use data actions 
to achieve cross-
portfolio outcomes 
Information 
1c 
5 Sept 2024  Briefing appendix 
Released in part  9(2)(f)(iv) to 
BRF-4969: Appendix 
protect the 
3 Draft annotated 
confidentiality of 
agenda 
advice tendered. 
1d 
5 Sept 2024  Briefing appendix 
Released in full  N/A 
BRF-4969: Appendix 
4 Alignment between 
Official 
resource 
management, 
climate, and 
the 
environmental data 
systems 
2 
13 Sept 2024  Briefing: BRF-5287: 
Released in part  9(2)(f)(iv) to 
National Iwi Chairs 
protect the 
forum lead Ministers 
confidentiality of 
under meeting 11 
advice tendered. 
September 
3 
20 Sept 2024  Briefing: BRF-5262 -  Released in part  9(2)(a) to protect 
Air Quality Advice 
the privacy of 
Reports 
natural persons, 
9(2)(f)(iv) to 
protect the 
confidentiality of 
advice tendered. 
Released 
3a 
20 Sept 2024  Briefing appendix 
Released in full  N/A 
BRF-5262: Appendix   
1 GNS Science - 
Evaluation of New 
Zealand's 
background 
 
particulate matter 
sources 
3b 
20 Sept 2042  Briefing appendix 
Released in full  N/A 
BRF-5262: Appendix   
2 NIWA - Advice on 
national air quality 
monitoring in 
airsheds 
4 
20 Sept 2024  Briefing: BRF-5359 -  Refused in full 
18(d) That the 
Climate Priorities 
information 
1982
Ministerial Group 
requested is or 
meeting 
will soon be 
publicly available. 
5 
24 Sept 2024  Briefing: BRF-5363: 
Withheld in full 
9(2)(h) to maintain 
Act 
BRF-5363 - Landfil  
legal professional 
compliance issues 
privilege.  
5a 
24 Sept 2024  Briefing appendix: 
Withheld in full 
9(2)(h) to maintain 
BRF-5363 - Landfil  
legal professional 
compliance issues 
privilege. 
 
 
 
Information 
 
 
 
 
 
Official 
 
 
the 
 
 
 
 
under 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Released 
 
 
 
1982
 
Document title schedule 
Date received  Briefing Code  Title 
Decision 
Act 
1/10/2024 
BRF-3959 
Petition of Lydia Chai: Ban plastic waste exports to developing countries 
Released in full 
2/10/2024 
BRF-5276 
Mitigating Impacts with Iwi and Māori in ERP2 
Released in full 
4/10/2024 
BRF-5290 
Scope for changes to activity-based freshwater regulations 
Released in full 
4/10/2024 
BRF-5413 
Environment Canterbury’s plan change processes 
Released in full 
4/10/2024 
BRF-5442 
Talking points to support a conversation about the Waitaki Catchment 
Released in full 
8/10/2024 
BRF-5404 
Briefing on the release of Our Air 2024 
Released in full 
Final Cabinet Paper for Lodgement: Severe Weather Emergency Recovery 
Released in full 
8/10/2024 
BRF-5419 
(Auckland Flood Resilience Works) Order 2024  Information 
Waipā District Council intensification planning instrument: Recommendations 
Released in full 
8/10/2024 
BRF-5265 
referred for decision 
8/10/2024 
BRF-5387 
Rakaia Water Conservation Order Declarations - Affidavit evidence 
Released in full 
Updated Cabinet Report Back: Next steps for the Government Response to the 
Released in full 
8/10/2024 
BRF-5464 
Ministerial Inquiry into Land Use in Tairāwhiti/Gisborne and Wairoa 
New Zealand's approach at the Vienna Convention 13th Conference of the Parties  Released in full 
Official 
8/10/2024 
BRF-5320 
and the Montreal Protocol 36th Meeting of the Parties October 2024 
8/10/2024 
BRF-5448 
Aide memoire: Wai Connection project approved for second year of delivery  
Released in full 
the 
9/10/2024 
BRF-5471 
Talking points to support a meeting about the Waitaki Catchment 
Released in full 
9/10/2024 
BRF-5273 
2024 October Baseline Update (excluding Climate Change related appropriations)  Released in full 
Proactive Release - Severe Weather Emergency Recovery (Resource 
Released in full 
10/10/2024 
BRF-5232 
Management - Hawke's Bay Rural Recovery Works) Order 2024 
Policy decisions on the national policy statement for renewable electricity 
Released in full 
under 
10/10/2024 
BRF-5406 
generation  
10/10/2024 
BRF-5441 
Vote Environment Performance Plan First Draft 
Released in full 
11/10/2024 
BRF-5467 
Waste Minimisation Fund investment signals and funding 
Released in full 
Released 
 
1982
11/10/2024 
BRF-5317 
Electrify NZ - amending the NPS-Electricity Transmission and NES Electricity 
Released in full 
Transmission Activities 
14/10/2024 
BRF-5463 
Otago Regional Council Six Monthly Report under s27 RMA - September 2024 
Released in full 
Act 
14/10/2024 
BRF-5479 
Talking points for phone call with Waikato River Authority 
Released in full 
15/10/2024 
BRF-5490 
Meeting with Tetra Pak, 16 October 2024 
Released in full 
15/10/2024 
BRF-5396 
Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme – Update on Variation to Deed of Funding 
Released in full 
Ministerial consultation on draft Cabinet paper ‘Driving Economic Growth Through  Released in full 
16/10/2024 
BRF-5484 
Science, Innovation and Technology 
18/10/2024 
BRF-5436 
Supporting Southland with freshwater farm planning 
Released in full 
Appointment of Board of Inquiry for Global Contracting Solutions Ltd's Te 
Released in full 
18/10/2024 
BRF-5416 
Awamutu waste-to-energy proposal 
18/10/2024 
BRF-5225 
Waste legislation reform 4: Data and compliance 
Released in full 
Information 
Proposed National Policy Statement for Infrastructure - Policy Proposals for 
Released in full 
18/10/2024 
BRF-5369 
Statutory Consultation 
Withheld in full under 
21/10/2024 
BRF-5503 
[Title withheld] 
section 9(2)(f)(iv) of the Act 
25/10/2024 
BRF-5346 
Review findings and options for changing the operation of significant natural areas  Released in full 
Official 
25/10/2024 
BRF-5519 
Meeting with Kim Robinson, CEO Lochiel Farmlands Ltd 
Released in full 
25/10/2024 
BRF-5091 
Regulation of non-GM new organisms 
Released in full 
Proactive Release - Severe Weather Emergency Recovery (Auckland Flood 
Released in full 
the 
29/10/2024 
BRF-5466 
Resilience Works) Order 2024 
Replacement appointment for board of inquiry for Te Awamutu waste-to-energy 
Released in full 
30/10/2024 
BRF-5556 
proposal of national significance 
31/10/2024 
BRF-5420 
Fiordland Marine Guardians appointment process 
Released in full 
Matamata-Piako District Council's application for a two year extension of time to 
Released in full 
under 
31/10/2024 
BRF-5340 
notify a decision on Proposed Private Plan Change 57 
31/10/2024 
BRF-5548 
Vote Environment Performance Plan for approval 
Released in full 
Released 
 
1982
Cover briefing for Cabinet paper CAB-471: Cabinet report-back: performance of 
Released in full 
1/11/2024 
BRF-5515 
government spending funded by the waste disposal levy 
1/11/2024 
BRF-5472 
Nominees for the Waste Advisory Board 2024 
Released in full 
Act 
1/11/2024 
BRF-5557 
Annual update on the regulation of fireworks in New Zealand 2024 
Released in full 
4/11/2024 
BRF-5539 
Meeting with the Environmental Protection Authority - 7 November 2024 
Released in full 
5/11/2024 
BRF-5571 
Talking points: Supporting Southland with freshwater farm planning 
Released in full 
5/11/2024 
BRF-5433 
Talking points for Cabinet paper: Waste and resource efficiency work programme  Released in full 
7/11/2024 
BRF-5587 
Resource Management Act 1991: Application of Part 9A – Freshwater Farm Plans  Released in full 
Government Response to the Report of the Environment Commit ee on the 
Released in full 
7/11/2024 
BRF-5424 
Petition of Hannah Blumhardt 
7/11/2024 
BRF-5528 
Rakaia Water Conservation Order Declarations - Legal submissions 
Released in full 
Information 
Talking points for CAB-472: Proposed product stewardship regulations for 
Released in full 
8/11/2024 
BRF-5560 
synthetic refrigerants  
12/11/2024 
BRF-5591 
Meeting Note - Meeting with Sea Cleaners -13 November 2024 
Released in full 
Te Pūtahi Ladies Mile Variation Streamlined Planning Process - Stage Three 
Released in full 
12/11/2024 
BRF-5563 
decisions (part two) 
Withheld in full under 
Official 
13/11/2024 
BRF-5446 
[Title withheld] 
section 9(2)(f)(iv) of the Act 
14/11/2024 
BRF-5577 
19 November 2024 meeting with Mike Butterick, MP for Wairarapa 
Released in full 
Talking points for Te Awamutu Appointments and Honours Committee meeting on  Released in full 
the 
14/11/2024 
BRF-5600 
19 November 2024 
14/11/2024 
BRF-5611 
NZ ETS settings 2024: proactive release of remaining documents 
Released in full 
Talking points for Cabinet paper: Government's response to the Environment 
Released in full 
15/11/2024 
BRF-5517 
Commit ee's report on the petition of Lydia Chai 
Meeting note, Minister Simmonds meeting with Fonterra, Wednesday 20 
Released in full 
under 
18/11/2024 
BRF-5620 
November 2024 
20/11/2024 
BRF-5536 
Application Decision Briefing - Waste Investments (November 2024) 
Released in full 
20/11/2024 
BRF-5628 
Meeting with Te Tai Kaha Māori Collective, 21 November 2024 
Released in full 
Released 
 
1982
20/11/2024 
BRF-5604 
Jobs for Nature: Chatham Island's projects progress update 
Released in full 
21/11/2024 
BRF-5576 
The Environmental Protection Authority's Q1 2024/25 Performance Report 
Released in full 
21/11/2024 
BRF-4797 
Approach to natural resources negotiations during resource management reform 
Released in full 
Act 
Policy decisions for RMA Reform Phase 2 National Direction on Commercial 
Released in full 
22/11/2024 
BRF-5623 
Forestry 
22/11/2024 
BRF-5629 
Meetings with Ministers Watts, Hoggard, McClay, Potaka and Wil is 
Released in full 
22/11/2024 
BRF-5643 
Waikato River Authority's 2023/24 Annual Report 
Released in full 
22/11/2024 
BRF-5559 
Draft Strategic Intentions 2025-2029 for feedback 
Released in full 
25/11/2024 
BRF-5614 
Timeline for the waste legislation reforms 
Released in full 
Proactive release - Government response to the report of the Environment 
Released in full 
25/11/2024 
BRF-5635 
Commit ee on the petition of Royal Forest & Bird Protection Society 
Information 
Briefing: Lunch with H.E. Mr Lawrence Meredith, Ambassador of the European 
Released in full 
27/11/2024 
BRF-5663 
Union to New Zealand 
Background information to support your meeting with Thriving Southland on 3 
Released in full 
28/11/2024 
BRF-5644 
December 2024  
Joint Ministers meeting on agricultural and horticultural products review - 29 
Released in full 
28/11/2024 
BRF-5645 
November 2024 
Official 
29/11/2024 
BRF-5659 
Talking points for meeting with Agrecovery Foundation on 3 December 2024 
Released in full 
29/11/2024 
BRF-5226 
Waste legislation reform 6: The waste disposal levy 
Released in full 
Waste legislation reform 5: Roles and responsibilities and recognising the Treaty 
Released in full 
the 
29/11/2024 
BRF-5301 
of Waitangi 
 
under 
Released 
From:
Penny Simmonds
To:
9(2)(a)
Subject:
FW: Project Kea incinerator.
Date:
Wednesday, 18 December 2024 11:56:47 PM
Attachments:
letter to Simmonds.pdf
For a response from MfE thanks
 
From: Why Waste Waimate <[email address]> 
Sent: Tuesday, 17 December 2024 10:42 AM
1982
To: Penny Simmonds (MIN) <[email address]>; Penny Simmonds
<[email address]>
Subject: Project Kea incinerator.
Act 
 
Dear Minister,
 
In December 2021, Waipā District Council and Waikato Regional Council received
resource consent applications to build and operate a waste-to-energy plant.
The following September, Waimate District Council and Canterbury Regional Council
(ECan) received resource consent to build a waste-to-energy plant.
While both proposals share a common process and technology, the Waimate proposal
Information 
stands out with more than double the processing capacity of the Te Awamutu project.
 
After considering SIRRL's proposal, Waimate DC and ECan requested that Former
Environment Minister David Parker call in the Waimate waste-to-energy proposal. After
taking direction from the EPA, in August 2023, Parker called in the proposal, stating that it
Official 
was of "national significance" and referred it to the Environment Court.
In an identical move, Waipā District Council and Waikato Regional Council requested that
current Environment Minister Penny Simmonds call in the Te Awamutu waste-to-energy
the 
proposal. After receiving direction from the EPA in August 2024, Simmonds called in the
proposal, stating it was "of national significance" and referred it to a board of inquiry.
 
However, that's where the similarities end.
under 
Less than two months after Minister Simmonds decided to call in the Te Awamutu
proposal, the government released the list of 149 projects selected for fast-tracking,
including SIRRL's Project Kea waste-to-energy proposal.
This decision raises questions about government inconsistency. Why was the Waimate
proposal removed from the Environment Court and included for fast-tracking just weeks
after the Te Awamutu proposal was referred to a board of inquiry by the same government?
Surely, if both proposals are of national significance, and use similar processes with similar
Released 
effects, they should both be subject to the same level of scrutiny. In fact, given that the
Waimate proposal is more than twice the size and, therefore, has twice the impact, it's
essential that the proposal is subjected to the highest level of scrutiny available.
 
Furthermore, as you are likely aware, in 2023, WWW successfully applied for
Environmental Legal Assistance funding of $50,000. This funding was allocated to legal
representation and expert witnesses to contest SIRRL's Environment Court hearing.
WWW has been informed that the current government has removed the Environmental
Legal Assistance Fund, and existing contracts will not be honoured. This would, of course,
includes WWW's funding.
This suggestion is hugely disappointing and a blow to WWW's dedication and hard work.
Over the past three years, WWW has fought tirelessly to have this proposal heard in the
1982
Environment Court, where it would be scrutinised as a proposal of national significance.
Not only has the Fast-Tracking of Project Kea removed this proposal from the much-
needed court scrutiny, but it has also removed local communities' input into the process.
Act 
Now It is with deep disappointment and frustration that we learn of the potential removal of
our ELA funding by the government.
 
Please answer the following questions:
 
1.  Can you confirm that WWW will no longer have access to the ELA funding it acquired
last year?
Information 
2.  Please provide a full explanation as to why the ELA funding has been scrapped.
3.  Please explain the inconsistent approach. Why did you choose to call in the Te
Awamutu proposal (half the size of the Waimate proposal) for a board of inquiry, and
yet the Waimate proposal was removed from the Environment Court and selected for
Official 
fast-tracking by the government?
 
Regards
the 
Robert Ireland
Why Waste Waimate
www.whywastewaimate.com
 
under 
Released 

From:
9(2)(a)
To:
9(2)(a)
Subject:
PSTE-OI-24-057
Date:
Friday, 24 January 2025 2:49:00 PM
Attachments:
PSME-OI-24-057 Robert Ireland response.pdf
Documents in scope.zip
Hi 9(2)(a)
 
Attached is the response letter in documents.
I can quickly change the sentence about the acquisition if it turns out it was discussed.
Let me know what you think, I’d like this to go in the weekend bag as it is due on Tuesday.
 
Kind regards,
1982
9(2)(a)
 (Administration) | Office of Hon Penny Simmonds
Minister for the Environment | Vocational Education
Associate Minister for Social Development and Employment
 
Act 
P: 04 817 6815
Private Bag 18041, Parliament Buildings, Wellington 6160, New Zealand
Authorised by Hon Penny Simmonds, Parliament Buildings, Wellington
 
Disclaimer: The information in this email (including attachments) is confidential and may be legally privileged. If an addressing or transmission error has
misdirected this email, please notify the author by replying to this email and destroy the message. If you are not the intended recipient, any use, disclosure,
copying or distribution is prohibited and may be unlawful.
 
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28 January 2025 
  PSME-OI-24-057 
Robert Ireland 
Why Waste Waimate Inc. 
[email address] 
1982
Dear Robert, 
Act 
Thank you for your letter, dated 9 December 2024 for the following information under the 
Of icial Information Act 1982 (the Act): 
1. Minister Simmonds met with Todd McCleay from Smart Environmental on August
2, 2024.  What was the nature of this meeting? Specifically, was the acquisition of
Smart Environmental by Singapore based companies Blue Planet Mantis Limited and
Blue Planet Special Waste Solutions Pte discussed?
2. I request all information and communication between Minister Simmonds or her office
Information 
and Smart Environmental, or any representative of Smart Environmental, pertaining
to Blue Planet Mantis Limited and Blue Planet Special Waste Solutions Pte.
3. I also request any information and communication between Minister Simmonds or her
office and the following companies; Convergence Communications, Renew Energy
Limited or South Island Resource Recovery Limited, or any representative of these
companies.
Official 
4. Finally, I request all communication and information held by the Minister or her office
in regard to South Island Resource Recovery Limited (SIRRL) and its plans to build a
waste to Energy plant in New Zealand. This should include, but not limited to, the
the 
importation or transportation of waste.
I wil  address each of these questions in turn. 
under 
Part 1) 
In July Mr McLeay asked to meet me for “an informal conversation on the industry and 
challenges and opportunities in the waste and recycling space”. Meeting notes from the 
Ministry from the Environment are being released to you, with some redactions under 9(2)(a), 
to protect the privacy of natural persons and 9(2)(f)(iv), to protect the confidentiality of advice 
tendered by Ministers of the Crown and officials. 
The acquisition of Smart Environmental by Singapore based companies Blue Planet Mantis 
Limited and Blue Planet Special Waste Solutions Pte was not discussed. This was however 
Released 
raised by Mr McLeay in an email to me on the 4th of December. 

Part 2) 
Please find attached two email threads and two associated attachments that include 
correspondence between my office and Mr McLeay. 
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Part 3) 
Act 
This part of your request is being refused under section 18(e) of the Act, as there are no 
communications between myself or my office and Convergence Communications, Renew 
Energy Limited or South Island Resource Recovery Limited. 
Part 4) 
As referenced in part 3 neither myself nor my office have had any communication with South 
Island Resource Recovery Limited. 
I received advice from the Environmental Protection Authority ADVICE AND 
Information 
RECOMMENDATION OF THE EPA UNDER SECTION 144A RMA: REQUEST TO CALL IN 
PROJECT KEA RESOURCE CONSENT APPLICATIONS, which was originally given to my 
predecessor, the Hon David Parker. This is being refused under section 18(d) of the Act, as it 
is publicly available here: EPA-Advice-and-Recommendation-Project-Kea.pdf 
On the 26th of November 2024 I received a media query regarding South Island Resource 
Recovery Limited’s application for resource consents to construct and operate a waste-to-
Official 
energy plant in the Waimate District. At ached is a copy of this query with some redactions 
under section 9(a), to protect the privacy of natural persons. 
the 
There is one email plus attachment in scope that I received from you on the 1st of December, 
please find this attached. 
I am satisfied, in terms of section 9(1) of the Act, that the need to withhold the information 
referred to above is not outweighed by other considerations that render it desirable, in the 
under 
public interest, to make the information available. 
You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of this decision. 
Information about how to make a complaint is available at www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or 
freephone 0800 802 602. 
Kind regards 
Released 
Hon Penny Simmonds 
Minister for the Environment

Document table 
# 
Date 
Email subject/document title 
Withholding reason/s 
1.1 
25/07/2024 
Meeting notes and talking points: Meeting 
Some information 
with Todd McLeay, CEO, Smart Environmental  withheld as out of 
scope and under 
9(2)(a) and 9(2)(f)(iv) 
2.1 
11-17/07/2024
Touching base 
Some information 
withheld as out of 
scope and under 
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9(2)(a) 
2.2 
4/12/2024
Blue Planet Introduction Aug 2024 
Release in full 
2.3 
4/12/2024 
Smart Environmental Limited change of 
Some information 
Act 
ownership 
withheld as out of 
scope 
2.4 
4/12/2024 
BP Smart Announcement Dec 2024 
Release in full 
4.1 
26/11/2024 
20241126 Media query 1News 
Some information 
withheld under 9(2)(a) 
4.2 
30/11/2024 
SOUTH ISLAND RESOURCE RECOVERY LTD – A  Release in full 
CASE STUDY IN LOCAL DEMOCRACY AND 
PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY – Why Waste 
Waimate Inc. 
4.3 
1/12/2024 
Project Kea incinerator's place on Fast-Track 
Some information 
Information 
list – Why Waste Waimate Inc. 
withheld as out of 
scope 
Official 
the 
under 
Released 

From:
9(2)(a)
 on behalf of Penny Simmonds (MIN)
To:
9(2)(a)
Subject:
FW: Waste to energy incinerator- “you can roll a turd in glitter but it’s still a turd”
Date:
Wednesday, 26 February 2025 11:51:00 AM
Good morning,
 
Can we get a response to this please?
 
Kind regards,
9(2)(a)
P
 (Administration) | Office of Hon Penny Simmonds
Minister for the Environment | Vocational Education
Associate Minister for Social Development and Employment
1982
 
P: 04 817 6815
Private Bag 18041, Parliament Buildings, Wellington 6160, New Zealand
Authorised by Hon Penny Simmonds, Parliament Buildings, Wellington
Act 
 
Disclaimer: The information in this email (including attachments) is confidential and may be legally privileged. If an addressing or transmission error has
misdirected this email, please notify the author by replying to this email and destroy the message. If you are not the intended recipient, any use, disclosure,
copying or distribution is prohibited and may be unlawful.
 
From: 9(2)(a)
@parliament.govt.nz> On Behalf Of Christopher Luxon
Sent: Wednesday, 26 February 2025 11:34 AM
To: Eoin Fitzpatrick <[email address]>
Cc: Penny Simmonds (MIN) <[email address]>
Subject: Re: Waste to energy incinerator- “you can roll a turd in glitter but it’s still a turd”
 
Good morning 9(2)(a)
 
Information 
Thank you for your email to the Prime Minister, Rt Hon Christopher Luxon. He appreciates people taking the time to share their
feedback, concerns and ideas.
 
Please be assured your concerns have been noted. As the Prime Minister, he relies on his colleagues to respond on his behalf to
specific matters relating to their portfolios. As such, I have forwarded your email onto the office of the Minister for the
Environment, Hon Penny Simmonds, for their consideration.
 
Thank you once again for taking the time to write and for your patience; it is very much appreciated.
Official 
 
 
Kind regards 
the 
 9(2)(a)  | Correspondence 
Office of Rt Hon Christopher Luxon | Prime Minister 
Parliament Buildings, Wellington 6160, New Zealand 
From: 9(2)(a)
under 
Sent: Thursday, 20 February 2025 5:26 pm
To: Christopher Luxon <[email address]>
Cc: Barbara Kuriger <[email address]>; Susan O'Regan <Susan.O'[email address]>; Dale-Maree
Morgan <[email address]>; Mike Montgomerie <[email address]>; Lou Brown
<[email address]>; Sally Whitaker <[email address]>; Chris Gardner <[email address]>;
Teawamutu.nsp <[email address]>; Mark Chrisp <[email address]>; Chris Hipkins
<[email address]>; New Zealand Herald <[email address]>; [email address]
<[email address]>
Subject: Waste to energy incinerator- “you can roll a turd in glitter but it’s still a turd”
 
 
Released 
 
Dear Prime Minister 
 
I am a local resident and business owner with interests  in sheep, bees, dairy cattle, grazing, building, property
development, and property investment and I believe our family have contributed significantly to the local and
national community and economy over the years  however I am currently very disappointed in the way in which
our community and our companies are suffering as a result of the Waste to Energy Proposal -  to take  a quote
from an earlier submission “you can roll a turd in glitter but it’s still a turd”
 
On 17 August 2024, the Minister for the Environment “called in” the resource consent application for the
Incinerator- This means it will be decided as a proposal of national significance under the Resource Management
Act 1991 (RMA).
 
At todays pre hearing EPA meeting I understood that the board of inquiry does not have the authority to
commission or request the applicant supplies comprehensive independent reviews / reports for all of the impacts
highlighted in the submissions and all of the issues raised by councils and other authorities even though this is
not a permitted activity under the current district plan.  For example the key issues raised by Waipa DC,Fonterra,
Waikato Thoroughbred Racing Board, FENZ, Tainui and even my own submission:
 
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https://www.epa.govt.nz/assets/FileAPI/proposal/NSP000048/Key-Issues-reports-manual/Waipa-District-
Council-Key-Issues-Report-1-November-2024.pdf
 
 In addition other areas for independent reporting would include:
Act 
 
● Hazardous substances
● Risk, likelihood and consequences including fire, explosion and floods
● Economic development and impact locally and nationally as highlighted by Fonterra
● Human health
● Land and water contamination including the management of collected /used contaminated water
● Climate change and impacts
● Air quality
 
 
My question is how do we expect the BoI to make an informed decision on something of such local and  national
Information 
significance without this information?
 
I appreciate that there is a process to follow but as the leader of our country I am asking you if you are prepared
to step in and review this as the potential impacts and risks to our country highlighted by Waipa DC,Fonterra,
FENZ and Tainui and hundreds of other submissions are massive and in my opinion something that warrants
intervention.
 
Official 
To me this is more important than whether or not classic cars get warranted every 6 months or every year and
deserves a comprehensive review and a national strategy.
 
Happy to discuss anytime and look forward to a positive response that puts an end to this ludicrous proposal so
the 
we can all get on with helping to turn the economy around and improving everyone’s quality of life.
 
 
 
Regards 
9(2)(a)
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