KEY POINTS:
Newmont Waihi Gold has agreed to what appears to be a "world-first" compensation deal for residents living near Martha Mine affected by noise, vibrations and dust.
Under a trial arrangement that Greens co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons was instrumental in negotiating, some Waihi residents are likely to get in excess
of $1500 a year in recognition of the inconvenience suffered.
Ms Fitzsimons was asked to help by Collette Spalding, the secretary of the Waihi Distressed Residents Action Team, who has long campaigned for compensation for about 100 affected homeowners.
Ms Fitzsimons believed the deal was a world first and said the company deserved praise.
"We couldn't find another international example where a big company which had effects on the community had set up this kind of protocol - a kind of systematic way of saying 'we'll form a relationship with you and find a way of addressing your needs'," she said.
"It's important to note here that what they are doing is going well beyond what their resource consents require them to do."
She said companies in breach of their consents had to raise their game whereas Newmont Waihi Gold was not in breach of consents but, because of ongoing annoyance and disruption to the lives of the local people, was prepared to address those concerns.
Newmont Waihi Gold manager director Adriaan van Kersen said under the trial the company had agreed to pay about $1000 a year to residents living within a certain proximity to the mine.
Extra payments would be made, depending on the extent of extra blasting carried out over the year and how close each house was to the mine.
He was not prepared to say whether the company had put a cap on the total amount of compensatory payment available but indicated it "could be a little bit higher" than $1500.
"And we hope in exchange for that, people will not complain."
Miss Spalding was pleased with the agreement that had come after 18 years of locals complaining and being told the company was acting within consents.
She believed the compensation package under consideration was lower than it should be but thought it was an important start.
Ms Fitzsimons said many of the households living around the mine were low income and people could not afford to move to avoid the disruption.
The money might at least enable a family weekend away or act as a contribution to job retraining.
Miss Spalding said several people would also like to see heat pumps to help get rid of the dust.
