The ecological and cultural significance of modified landscapes in the way of KiwiRail's proposed freight yards have not been rated highly. A lack of information about the cultural impacts of KiwiRail’s proposed new freight yards on the outskirts of Palmerston North is starting to irk commissioners hearing the case for land designation. KiwiRail’s environmental planner specialising in social impact assessment Kirsty Austin said no cultural values assessment had been submitted, and that was “a gap”. READ MORE:* KiwiRail's freight centre is about more than just railway tracks* KiwiRail's freight centre plans could exceed its legal powers* Iwi join forces over KiwiRail freight hub consultationIt would disrupt a quiet village and rural lifestyle, change people’s daily patterns, and it would be a noisier environment, particularly at nighttime. KiwiRail’s lawyer Allison Arthur-Young said there was a firm commitment to engaging meaningfully with mana whenua on the cultural effects of the freight project.

Source: Stuff August 11, 2021 05:26 UTC