Environmental Investigations and Approvals for Dolomite Point Redevelopment Project

The Dolomite Point Redevelopment Project (DPRP) involves a significant uplift and modernisation of key visitor facilities/infrastructure and enhancement of visitor experience elements at Dolomite Point, Punakaiki, on the South Island�s West Coast.

The site is a key anchor for West Coast tourism and has become an iconic short-stop tourist destination on the back of the �Pancake Rocks� and associated blowholes, with 500,000 visitors experiencing the �Pancake Rocks� walkway annually. The investment recognises the importance of the site to the visitor economy of the West Coast and is being funded through the government�s Provincial Growth Fund programme.

The work at the site is being led by the Department of Conservation in close partnership with Ngati Waewae and other key agencies. The Department of Conservation is seeking to engage a supplier to lead and develop an integrated environmental investigations and approvals (EI&A) package for the project.

The project is currently at a conceptual design stage and proposals have been called for to progress the project�s current Concept Plan through to a final design.

The supplier will be responsible for any environmental investigations necessary to establish the values and effects at the site and of the project; preparation and submission of regulatory approvals (including an AEE and supporting studies); and any hearings, legal services and other approval-related processes required.

The supplier will need to provide a range of disciplines and inputs which may include, but not be limited to, archaeological assessment; cultural impact assessment; ecological surveying; hydrological studies; karst assessment; landscape assessment; lighting assessment; and Resource Management Act planning and consent acquisition, to ensure a comprehensive and robust EI&A package is achieved.

The scope of the redevelopment work includes the following key elements at Dolomite Point: o A new visitor �Experience Centre�; o Pedestrian crossing solution(s) (of the State Highway) and traffic management and calming measures o Vehicle parking o Internal pedestrian and cycle access paths; o Pedestrian promenade and beautification between the existing precinct and the State Highway; o Toilet facilities and drinking water amenities; and o Overall landscaping o Walking track and viewing platform at rear of the precinct o Powerline burial