Agree it would be better to go straight to the High Court if...

Agree it would be better to go straight to the High Court if that is possible.
The Port of Tauranga has faced similar problems. They want to dredge shipping channels so they can bring in larger vessels. The dredging consent was recommended by independent commissioners in May 2010 confirmed by the Environment Court in Dec 2011 and last month by the High Court is now being taken to the Court of Appeal by the Ngati Ruahine hapu. The reason; They are worried about the deterioration of the pipi beds.
The Port of Tauranga has spent $2.5m on legal costs since it first lodged its resource consent application 4yrs ago
So even if BTU wins in the Environment Court Forest & Bird can appeal and the same story repeats itself as it did in the climate appeal saga. Frustrating. I wouldn't be surprised if mining on the Denniston Plateau depending on winning their case in the Environment doesn't start till mid 2014 and not next year.