Nine were in support of the application, while one was neutral. The hearing is likely to take a week, with 62 submitters wishing to be heard. EMMA DANGERFIELD/Stuff Protesters gathered outside Taggarts Earthmoving in Rangiora to show their opposition to a proposed quarry at the racecourse. Panel members were chosen based on experience working with the Resource Management Act (RMA), chairing large hearings, working with submitters and having the required technical understanding. The key issues associated with the applications relate to air quality, flooding, amenity values, traffic, groundwater quality and noise. Submissions in opposition raise concerns about dust, air quality, and increased traffic, impacts on health, noise, and disruption to the local residential neighbourhood, groundwater quality, flood risk and reduction on house prices.