The Social Impact Assessment (SIA) of transfer stations in New Zealand is an underdeveloped area of study. International literature suggests that unpopular land uses are often constructed in areas of socio-economic and ethnic disadvantage (Bullard, 1993; Been, 1994). In order to test whether these trends are occurring in New Zealand, this thesis focuses on the Temuka transfer station as a case study. To this end, expert and local knowledge resources were reviewed to determine whether the social effects identified by the literature exist. Using census data, 'indicators of powerlessness' (Baines et al., 2000) were developed and collected, prior to, and after the construction of the station. Using the indicators, host and source communities were compared for any differences occurring that could be attributed to the existence of the transfer station. Upon review of the evidence gathered, the author concludes that the construction of Temuka Transfer Station has had some effect upon its surrounding community, in the form of a loss of recreation space and the illegal disposing of waste on the Temuka Riverbank. The research also identifies inadequate impact assessment practices, through the failure to consult with Maori adequately by the Timaru District.