The decision follows an interim decision released late last year in which the three independent commissioners appointed for the consents hearing indicated that they were minded to grant all consents subject to the wording of a range of conditions.

“Being granted all consents is a significant step towards ensuring future cement supply to meet the growing demand in New Zealand,” said Holcim New Zealand Capital Projects Manager, Ken Cowie. “ We would like to thank the many people who have supported our proposal, and who showed their support by putting forward submissions and speaking at the hearing.”

“The consent document is a very comprehensive one, so our next step is to work through the conditions that have been specified and consider their implications for the project.”

In December, Holcim New Zealand announced that it would put two priority options for cement supply to its parent company, Holcim Ltd, who make the final decision. A new plant at Weston is the preferred option. A second priority option, offering lower capital cost but higher operational costs, is to continue the current Westport plant with an appropriate maintenance and capital works programme, in combination with imports on a bulk basis. The Holcim Ltd decision is not expected before late 2008.

Holcim (New Zealand) Ltd is a leading New Zealand supplier of cement, aggregates, ready mixed concrete and lime. Its involvement in the New Zealand building industry dates back to 1888, and today it operates more than 35 sites and employs approximately 530 people. It is part of the Holcim Group, one of the world’s leading suppliers of cement, aggregates and construction-related services represented in over 70 countries on all continents.

For further information please contact:
Gerald Raymond 027 443 7253