joint bid to put appeals on hold

This is smelly. Meridian like getting everything sorted before the court case and they have a system worked out - a system that has worked in getting DOC and some runaka on side with them, against the river and nature.

From NZH

"Meridian Energy and the Department of Conservation (DOC) have filed a joint memorandum in the Environment Court requesting the appeals relating to the Mokihinui hydro proposal be put on hold."

Meridian chief executive Tim Lusk said the project was proposed for stewardship land administered by DOC and required the consent of the Minister of Conservation to go ahead, as well as the usual resource consents."

Taking the time to carefully work through these issues before advancing to the Environment Court is the most logical and cost effective way of simplifying a complicated process for all concerned," said Mr Lusk.

He said that in applying for the minister's consent, Meridian may have the opportunity to address some matters raised by DOC in its appeal to the Environment Court.

"It would be more efficient and appropriate to see if we can deal with those issues as part of that dialogue," Mr Lusk said.

It seems that going direct to the minister may prove more fruitful - you can negotiate all of the little things out the way before.

Meridian is committed to the Mokihinui hydro project," he said.

And we are committed to stopping this damn dam. I like the red-tape and delays - anything that ensure the decision is put off and off until eventually it is too hard and too costly to go ahead.

Mokihinui abandoned by kaitiaki

I note that Ngati Waewae have endorsed their position, in the weekend, regarding the proposed Mokihinui River hydro project. My initial post is here - with strong comments.

It is one thing to be neutral and try to make the best of a very bad situation and it is another to publically support the dam. Publically supporting that which was once strongly opposed is not right especailly when the reasons for opposition are still there.

What sorts of arguments did Ngati Waewae initially use to oppose this dam?

from Point 3 of the introduction within the oral submission - Rick Barber

"I wish to note how honoured and privileged I am to have the opportunity to represent both Te Rūnanga o Ngati Waewae and Ngā Awa o Mokihinui at this important consent hearing, which, in many ways, serves as another opportunity for Ngāti Waewae to obtain meaningful recognition of and provision for the outstanding cultural values associated with the Mokihinui. Hitherto, the vital relationship between Ngāti Waewae and the Mokihinui had been almost entirely overlooked in favour of corporate quest for so called “renewable” sources of energy generation (as evidenced by the construction without Ngati Waewae and Ngāi Tahu input of the Arnold, Mokihinui, Aviemore, Benmore, Ohau, Pukaki and Tekapo hydro systems)."

and Point 4

"Needless to say, Ngāti Waewae, Poutini Ngai Tahu does not want to see such a culturally destructive approach to energy generation repeated again in our takiwa it is in this context that Ngati Waewae is opposed to the Mokihinui Hydro proposal.

and

"a) That the concept of hydro electricity generation…has tended to be undertaken in a culturally insensitive and distasteful manner across the motu / island and the proposal here is no exception."

and

"10. For this and other reasons, Ngāti Waewae continues to advocate for the awa Mokihinui to be left in its natural near pristine state, for the reasons outlined in the CIA and.

• Our relationship with the Mokihinui, including his genealogical/whakapapa associations with the Mokihinui.

• our role and obligations as kaitiaki; the role that the Mokihinui plays as a source of mahinga kai; the angst engendered by the application and the likely future state of the awa; and our aspirations for the future management of the River."

It is hard to see what the big changes have been apart from the commitment for meridian to pay some money to Ngati Waewae as a mitigation for the destruction of the mauri of the river - as if that could ever make a difference.

What does Rick Barber say?

From Stuff

"In 2008, Rick Barber submitted against the dam because of its cultural and ecological impact.

Barber said he was part of Ngati Waewae's land and environment unit at the time.

However, Ngati Waewae changed its stance during the hearing and claimed Barber did not represent its true views.

Barber said yesterday that his submission was "absolutely" the iwi's position after consultation and site visits.

"Any Maori who would like to see a river dammed isn't Maori as far as I am concerned."

Whilst i agree with the sentiment, sadly this isn't true. There are some maori who are only interested in their own personal advancement and others who measure themselves via money or position. These people are maori. But perhaps Mr Spock has the right way to look at it,

"It's life Jim, but not as we know it."

if you sell out are you a sellout?

What a disgrace - that some would sellout their kaitiaki role for money. What about the children and their children?

From stuff

"Meridian Energy has confirmed it donated money to a West Coast iwi which changed its mind over its opposition to the massive Mokihinui River hydro dam.

Te Runanga o Ngati Waewae, the council representing a sub-tribe of Ngai Tahu, strenuously opposed the dam, but changed its mind during the hearing. This week, it publicly supported the scheme.

Yesterday, the iwi said Meridian had agreed to pay into a fund "to monitor effects". Information on "anything else" would be released after a runanga meeting at Arahura this weekend, runanga chairman Francois Tumahai, of Christchurch, said.

Meridian confirmed that it had made a payment, but declined to say how much.

Meridian said yesterday that it had made a payment so Ngati Waewae could "fund other cultural initiatives". "They did a lot of work for us in assessing the cultural impact of the project," spokesman Alan Seay said. "The cultural project we are funding is to offset the impact of the project on the mauri [life force] of the river."

In Ngati Waewae's original submission, represented by Richard Barber, it opposed the scheme for cultural reasons. "Ngati Waewae considers that the construction of the dam, power-generating stations and the associated infrastructure, such as the lake and transmission lines, will degrade the awa [river] and present a significant loss to the tangata whenua," he told commissioners.

However, Mr Tumahai said Mr Barber had not represented the true views of Ngati Waewae. The iwi had originally had a neutral stance on the project, he told Westport News.

Idiots - you think you can offset the destruction of the mauri of the awa by setting aside some cultural fund?

Destroy the rivers, destroy the land and destroy your mana. What a shameful incident, I hope the true voices of Ngati Waewae oppose these sellouts.

Hone is correct about canterbury asset grab

Hone is right. The Environment Canterbury Bill and the sacking of the Environment Canterbury regional council and appointment of commissioners is an attempt to steal water and then minerals (read mining). It is a farce and a direct attack upon our people and environment.

From Waatea News

"Maori Party MP Hone Harawira says principles introduced in a bill for managing Canterbury rivers will effectively replace the Resource Management Act, to the huge detriment of Maori and the nation as a whole.

The Environment Canterbury Bill was introduced yesterday, a day after the Government sacked Environment Canterbury regional council and replaced it with commissioners.

Mr Harawira says the bill was sneaked into parliament during the foreshore and seabed debate as a local measure, but in fact it gives unelected commissioners total administrative power, cutting out the Minister for the Environment and the Environment Court.

“You are taking out of the hands of government agency an asset that has critical value to the whole nation and putting it in the hands of officials who are appointed by a Government hell bent on commercialising assets,” he says.

Mr Harawira says the asset grab won't stop at water but will include other minerals and natural resources.

No Right Turn has some good information on this here and here and here and here and here

Wairau River - still fighting for life

Fighting dams on our rivers takes time and energy. These are the people that must be convinced.

"The Environment Court has appointed a judge and three commissioners to consider the appeal against TrustPower being granted resource consent to build a hydro scheme on the Wairau River.

Judge Gordon Whiting, of the Auckland Environment Court, will preside. Judge Whiting holds an economics BA and a law degree from Otago University and was admitted to the Bar in 1968.

Helen Beaumont, former assistant parliamentary commissioner for the environment (2000-2007), has been appointed a commissioner for the hearing. With a professional background in environmental chemistry, she has focused on environmental health and the connections between the quality of the environment and human well-being.

Commissioner Dr Alex Sutherland holds a Bachelor (first-class honours) and Masters of Engineering and a PhD in civil engineering and mathematics.

In 1967, Dr Sutherland joined the University of Canterbury as a lecturer in civil engineering and was engineering dean from 1987 to 2005.
The third commissioner, John Mills, graduated from Lincoln University with a degree in agricultural commerce in 1975.

He owned and managed a 3000 stock-unit sheep and beef farm in the Te Anau Basin from 1981-1999 and served on the Southland Regional Council from 1989-1998, seven of those years as deputy chairman."

A a good mix of skills to be able to distill all of the arguments and make an unbiased call?

What do they want to do to the Wairau River?

"TrustPower received consent last year to build a 48-kilometre canal on the southern side of the river and take about 60 per cent of the river's flow to produce 72 megawatts of power for the $250m project."

Department of Conservation - what do they say?

"Nelson-Marlborough conservator Neil Clifton said DOC was not opposed to the hydro development but wanted to protect bird habitat and food sources.

The deal meant TrustPower would leave more water in the river during the summer nesting period, he said.
DOC has agreed to a flow-sharing regime that will see TrustPower get the first five cubic metres per second (cumecs) above the minimum flow and two-thirds of any flow above that.
Minimum flows at the scheme's intake, above Wash Bridge, vary from 10 cumecs in summer to 20 cumecs in spring."

And this is telling -

"TrustPower community relations manager Graeme Purches said DOC would not receive any money."

I oppose doing these deals. Save the stilts and stuff the river?

How about saving them both, and our communities by opposing these schemes. Reduce demand and change the way we think about energy - that is the answer.

Creating dubious schemes that often cause many more problems than they solve is yesterday's thinking and solution.

Save the Hurunui River

Hurunui River

Save the Hurunui River

Why?

"The Hurunui provides outstanding habitat for native fish and birds, especially nationally endangered black-fronted tern and black-billed gull and the dotterel (in decline). It is one of the most popular rivers in New Zealand for fishing, white-water rafting and kayaking.
The Hurunui is Canterbury’s sixth largest river by volume. Lake Sumner and seven smaller lakes formed by retreating glaciers are considered icons of the South Island high country.

As well as being one of Canterbury’s most loved rivers, it is also home to some of our most endangered species.

It is an example of one of the most diverse river catchments in Canterbury, ranging from bush-fringed lakes, steep, rocky headwaters and gorges to braided shingle riverbeds, and supports an equally diverse range of habitats and native biodiversity.

Fifty-eight bird species have been identified in the catchment, including 17 threatened species. Significant river birds include three nationally endangered species: the black-fronted tern (between 5-12% of the entire population), black-billed gull (in serious decline) and banded dotterel (in gradual decline). The catchment is also home to birds uncommon in most of Canterbury, especially grey teal and NZ shoveler.

Twenty-five native fish species have been identified in the catchment, including six threatened fish species. It is also an important recreational fishery for brown trout and salmon, with an estimated 20,000 angler days per season.

The surrounding beech forest supports a healthy population of endangered mohua (yellowhead) and critically endangered orange-fronted parakeet (kakariki). "

So Ngai Tahu what are we going to do? We have NT Property trying to dam and destroy the river. No doubt local kaumatua and Papatipu Runaka will be trying to save the river and it's mauri.

This is what the damn dammers say

"Who is behind the Hurunui Water Project?

The Board of HWP

The Board of the Hurunui Water Project is small but diverse. Our common ingredient is an interest in the future well-being of the Hurunui District. We include representatives from the Hurunui Irrigation and Power Trust (HIPT), Ngai Tahu Property, Mainpower and Eskhead Station.

• HIPT represents the interests of more than 200 Hurunui farmers who formed a trust in 2002 to look at the opportunities for using water in the district.

• Ngai Tahu Property has interests in the sustainable management of the soil and water resources of the Hurunui District together with satisfying the wider interests of Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu, Ngai Tuahuriri and Kaikoura runanga. "

What is the TRONT position? Who speaks for Ngai Tahu? Are NT Property considering the wider interests with this project?

And if Ngai Tahu are too concerned about the profit and money they will make via NT Property - then what does that say about us, about our kaitiakitanga role and if we won't save this river - who the hell will!

water = money, maybe, for meridian

This is classic. Do a feasibility study after you have applied to take water - shouldn't it be the other way round?

"Meridian Energy Ltd is preparing for a major engineering feasibility study into its proposed Waitaki River north bank tunnel power scheme to finalise the design, derive an up-to-date costing and determine its commercial viability."

"External relations manager Clare Shaw yesterday said the study would provide Meridian Energy with a clearer view of the commercial viability of the north bank scheme."

"Carrying out the full study will depend on issues such as a decision from the Environment Court on whether water should be granted for the scheme.

The study's first stage will look at the viability and economics of the project, identify a preferred layout and pursue land-use resource-consent applications with the Waimate District Council.

The decision to proceed with the study's second stage will be dependent on the Environment Court's decision and the viability and economics of the project determined during stage 1."

So meridian haven't even worked out if the proposed descecration of the river would be 'economically or commercially viable'. Doesn't that seem strange? Are they already thinking of their next overseas owner? How can you put forward applications for water take when you cannot say whether it is economically viable? And the whole 'economic viability' arguement is bogus anyway - if you set something up to be economically viable, in todays economic environment - what happens when that economic environment changes? As it always does.

Protecting water worth fighting for

Waitaki

Good to see The Lower Waitaki River Management Society is still fighting against meridian energy.

"The Lower Waitaki River Management Society yesterday confirmed it would go ahead with its Environment Court appeal against Meridian's $900 million North Bank tunnel concept power scheme after mediation last week failed.

It was the last of five appeals before the court, due to be heard from June 22 in Oamaru and Christchurch, after four other appellants either withdrew or decided not to oppose the scheme."

Best explained here and here.

"It is a David and Goliath situation, but it is important we indicate quite clearly what we believe should happen."

The society has a $40,000 grant from the Ministry of the Environment's legal fund along with donations to help pay for the appeal.

However, it would welcome further donations, Mr Penno said.

Meridian wants to build a power scheme on the lower Waitaki River between the Waitaki dam and Stonewall."

Good luck to this group with their appeal.

Upper Waitaki water-grab hearings now in Otautahi

mackenzie basin

canterbury plains

Good news about these hearings

"Christchurch, not Twizel, will now be the venue for the bulk of hearings into 126 applications to take water from the upper Waitaki catchment, most for irrigation."

Haven't ECan been busy...

"ECan started in 2007 by hearing applications made by Meridian for its north bank tunnel concept power scheme, followed by those for the joint Meridian Energy Ltd-South Canterbury Irrigation Trust Hunter Downs irrigation scheme in Waimate then, late last year, 56 applications to use water from the lower Waitaki River below the Waitaki dam.

The lower Waitaki applications were heard in Oamaru.

In September, the hearings panel will start considering the consent applications above the Waitaki dam."

"Any submitter who wanted to be heard in Twizel should notify ECan staff as soon as possible. "

Otautahi is a better venue with more opportunity to get submitters there and the ability to keep the costs down, as opposed to all heading to Twizel.

I don't know about you, but the thought that the MacKenzie Basin turned into something like the canterbury plains fills me with dread.

Conservation leads to sustainable outcomes

Classic!

"State-owned power company Meridian Energy has criticised the Canterbury Water Management Strategy as disproportionately slanted towards the environment.

The strategy, which arose from the droughts of the late 1990s, is in its fourth stage.
At a hearing in Christchurch on Thursday, Meridian's resources policy manager Hamish Cuthbert said water sustainability required a balance of social and economic factors.

"It's seriously flawed by what's not there," he said. "The principles have a highly environmental focus ... which are disproportionate.

"It would lead to conservation ... but not a sustainable outcome.""

It would be funny if it wasn't so sad. The big barrier to creating sustainable approaches to energy and the need for dams, is the attitude expressed by Meridian. Conservation is a sustainable outcome, in fact it is the only sustainable outcome.

DOC - sitting on the fence just gives you splinters up your bum

DOC is gutless!

"The Department of Conservation says it has a "neutral stance" on the proposed amendment to the Nevis River Water Conservation Order.

Doc's counsel Pene Williams told the special tribunal considering the amendment yesterday that the department neither supported nor opposed the application."

If you cannot decide on whether this is good or bad for the environment then I suggest you all stand down so we can employ guardians of the environment not useless yes men/women.

Have you heard about reducing demand instead of stuffing up our rivers even more?

Long Valley Dredge - Teviot River.

Another electricity generation project in Te Wai Pounamu. This will be the SIXTH on this river!

WHY?

"It's needed to keep up with the growth in the region." (my emphasis)

"Central Otago power company Pioneer Generation is building another hydro-electricity station on the Teviot River, to provide electricity for Alexandra and Roxburgh residents.

The Kowhai station should be operational by next May and generate a maximum of 1.9MW. It will be the company's sixth power station on the Teviot."

"The Kowhai station, named after trees in the area, received the appropriate planning consents from the Otago Regional Council and Central Otago District Council and was dealt with as a non-notified application. (my emphasis)

It is located 3.5km east of Roxburgh and will use water from the Marslin dam, taking the water, via a 1.3km pipeline, down a penstock to the generating station on the banks of the Teviot River.

The company owns and operates 12 power stations throughout Central Otago and Southland. The others on the Teviot, with the maximum generation output, are: Ellis (7.8MW), Horseshoe Bend (4.3MW), Michelle (1.6MW), George (1MW) and Teviot Bridge (1.1MW)."

and from Pioneer's website, under environment:

"We have also renewed existing consents for the Teviot, Fraser and Oxburn hydroelectric schemes with minimal fuss.

All the above consents have been granted without reference to the Environment Court. This is an acknowledgement of our inclusive consultation process with all concerned stakeholders and the ability to avoid, remedy or mitigate environmental impacts and concerns." (My emphasis)

Ummm perhaps the non-notification may have something to do with it?

Come here to read the history of Pioneer.



That history reads like the history of an open wound to me. Reduce our need for power, live within our means, protect our rivers and ecosystems... surely all of that is more important than whether "Alex" can have some more lights on at night.

DOC secret deal pays-off for dam developers

Isn't this amazing.

"The Minister of Conservation, Tim Groser, will not stand in the way of a proposed hydro-electric development on the Nevis River.

The Nevis River water conservation order hearing was told in Cromwell yesterday

the Department of Conservation's deal with dam developer Pioneer Generation meant that if the power company gained all the other consents it needed for a dam, the Minister of Conservation would also give consent." (MY EMPHASIS)

Tim Groser and DOC aren't working for the people or the environment. No - they work for dam developers with secret deals that are disgusting. Don't worry about the merits of whether a dam is needed or wanted, the secret deal has been done - your puppet masters have spoken - so get dancing!

Water under threat in Te Wai Pounamu

Mokihinui dam before and after - thanks Forest and Bird

It's a worry. We seem to have a range of plans for dams, tunnels and irrigation all coming out or applying for consents at the moment. And all affect Ngai Tahu because they are all on our rivers and concern our water.

Mataura dams - up to 4 dams proposed for Matauta/Clutha River

Papapuni/Nevis Valley dam - two dams and flooding eight kilometres of river in part of the 7891 hectares of valley floor

Waitaki north tunnel plan - Remove 66% of the water from the natural riverbed for 53% of the rivers length

Mokihinui hydro project - an 85 metre high dam, Fourteen kilometres of gorge will disappear under 80 metres of water; 330 hectares of river bed and forest will be flooded

Fish and Game are complaining about water quality problems in Otago

We also have DOC with 12 agreements made in secret with power companies

and in Saturdays press, news that massive irrigation plans threaten the Mackenzie Basin.

Conservation groups say that the plans could transform parched, high country land into a replica of the Canterbury Plains.

DOC oppose the plans because of the clash with it's proposal for a 30,000ha Mackenzie Basin Drylands Park. The Mackenzie Basin is home to 56 threatened plant species.

Forest and Bird have called it a "water grab". And why do they call it that?

- 36 applicants
- Consents sought 128 to take water, change land use and discharge to water
- Water takes: 90 million cubic meters a year (new), 56 million cu m (renewal)
- Water takes are from: Upstream of the Lake Ohau outlet, upstream of Lake Pukaki, upstream of Lake Tekapo and upstream of the Waikaki Dam but below the glacial lake outlets
- Land area to be irrigated at least 27,125 hectares

and on the same page in the press we had a story about Solid Energy applying for resource consent for a new dam.

This hydro development is on the Sockton Plateau near Solid Energy's open cast coalmine. The scheme would divert streams through a series of reservoirs, tunnels and power station outfalls.

And this is the kicker - in capturing the tribitaries before they ran into the Ngakawau River, they say they will improve the water quality, which has suffered from mining runoff.

I'm sorry but just how stupid do you think we are. The streams were stuffed by you and now you want to abuse the streams more, with this power scheme, and you are doing it to help clean up the streams! Clean them up anyway you made the mess.

The under sea micro-tunnel would run about 600 meters offshore. 110 hectares will be inundated. So far over 30 submission with 9 opposed.

So I think you would agree there is a lot going on around water.

My questions are:

Do we have the resources within OTRONT to fight these projects and maintain the mauri of these waterways? We have opposed most of these projects. We have had our kaumatua and kaiwhakahaere, our legal team and other OTRONT people all put strong and impassioned Ngai Tahu case's up. But what do we do if they just ignore us?

If we don't fight and stop the degradation of these waterways we might not get another chance. Already the arguement is used, "Well it is already not natural, so it doesn't matter." If we don't fight, if we accept the economic arguements , the jobs arguements what is that saying about us?

We have a relationship with Meridian Energy. Does that relationship influence anything we do in this area?

I have a few other questions and some answers as well... but I've save them up for later.

The way it is?

Tremain ODT 25/5/09

Go here for more info.

Waitaha group oppose meridian and Ngai Tahu

Who is providing kaitiakitanga to the Waitaki River?

Came across this information, where Ngai Tahu have withdrawn their environment court appeal to the north bank tunnel project, over the weekend.

"A second major opponent of a new $900 million power scheme on the lower Waitaki River is withdrawing its opposition after reaching an agreement with the project’s proponent, Meridian Energy Ltd. Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu and its Arowhenua, Moeraki and Waihao runanga will withdraw their Environment Court appeal against the north bank tunnel concept scheme and work with Meridian to complete a mitigation agreement."

and in the comments section I found this from the Waitaha group

"Firstly is common belief of the Crown and their Agents namely Local Authorities’, Government Departments and Major Local and International Companies that the since the Ngai Tahu Treaty Settlement that Ngai Tahu are the only consultation group contained within the Settlement.Although Waitaha were legislated against their wishes into the Ngai Tahu Settlement Act 1998, there are many Nga Uri (descendants’) of Waitaha who have not registered with Ngai Tahu Whänui but exercise the right to maintain their identity, cultural values, tikanga and kawa of Waitaha under The New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990, the Rights: The Resource Management Act 1991 further more defines Local Authority obligations to Maori ; Resource Management Act 35A: Duty to keep records about iwi and hapu; The Local Government Act 2002 where it clearly defines under Section 14 Principles Relating to Local Authorities Clause (d); The Treaty of Waitangi Article Two (2) clearly defines property rights as Hapu, Whanau and Individual rights. Te Runanganui O Waitaha me maata Waka Inc are supporting others in the objection to this Project."

So I followed their link to here

"Te Runanganui O Waitaha & Maata Waka Iwi Authority Inc. Provides for the wellbeing of the members of the Runanganui. Membership is automatically bestowed on the Uri of the Hapu of Kahea, Waitaha, Kähui Tipua, Rapuwai and Häwea who are willing to participate by their attendance at meetings and be bound by the kawa of Waitaha and shall be subject to the rules and regulations or by-laws of the Runanganui."

The website is pretty good. Only 750 visits to the website. I don't have any issues if these people choose to highlight certain whakapapa lines, after all we have always done that. And it is in our nature to vote with our feet when we disagree with some leader or approach. Ngai Tahu can dismiss this group but I cannot see them going away.

My interest was stimulated because I am opposed to damn dam's (or tunnels) being built. Ngai Tahu put a very strong case for the protection of this river, but now have conceded and are negotiating with meridian, who is still opposing this north tunnel? Do we just have to accept the defilement of our awa further? Can we appeal or is this the best we can do.
If we can't protect this river, who can? Who is providing kaitiakitanga?

DOC forced to revel secret deals on dams

I am disturbed by this news.

"DOC yesterday released details of 12 financial agreements, worth $22.23m, with developers in the past seven years after requests by The Press under the Official Information Act.
All of the deals, except one $105,000 agreement, were with power companies.
The department says the deals address environmental impacts and show its "practical and open" approach.

Critics described the deals as outrageous and accused the department of not doing enough to protect the environment."

"DOC policy general manager Doris Johnston said the agreements showed the department's practical and open response to conservation concerns.
"If the department can get an agreement to fund acceptable work to help mitigate the environmental impacts of a development, we will do so," she said.

Dunedin conservationist Dave Witherow called the agreements "utterly outrageous".
"If they were so proud of them, why did they have to be dragged out of them?" he said.
"If you prefer this course, which is what DOC does, then New Zealand will end up like all these other countries over-populated and environmentally rooted, with DOC left to look after the mummified remnants."

He described DOC as "feeble" and said it did not object to any significant project.
Upland Landscape Protection Society member Ewan Carr said DOC was failing in its role as an environmental safeguard.
"It has abandoned its obligation by receiving cheques on the quiet," he said."

Deals on the quiet, with power companies, dragged into the open by the Official Information Act... My question is ,"Who are you working for DOC?"

Nevis valley dam is damned

Nevis Valley

More damn dams.

"The Department of Conservation (DOC) is under fire for supporting a hydro-power scheme in one of the South Island's most sensitive valleys.
An agreement was made 13 years ago with Pioneer Generation, which wants to build a power station in Central Otago's Nevis River valley.
Opponents say DOC should never have made an agreement over a landscape that the Central Otago District Council classifies as of "extreme sensitivity".
They believe the deal prejudges the outcome of a tenure-review process being overseen by Land Information New Zealand (Linz)."

"Linz says it is unaware of any agreement on the power scheme, a response that Fish & Game Otago chief executive Niall Watson finds "astounding"."

"Fish & Game and DOC are at odds over the future of the Nevis River valley, close to Lake Wakatipu between the Hector and Garvie mountains, and the tenure-review proposals for the Ben Nevis and Craigroy stations.
Leaseholder Pioneer Generation plans a 40-megawatt hydro-power scheme, which would involve building two dams and flooding eight kilometres of river in part of the 7891 hectares of valley floor proposed for freeholding.
Fish & Game says that stretch of river is the most valuable and accessible for angling.
It contains a large proportion of the historic Nevis goldfield, and also rare native fish and plants."

If it was me i would put the interests of the ecosystem, for instance the rare fish and plants above being able to catch a fish. But whatever does the trick and stops the dam is good.

damn the dams

Mataura

News that, "Plans for up to four new hydro-electric dams on the Clutha River have been released by power company Contact Energy." gives me the willies.

Hasn't Mataura put up with enough.

4 more dams - for what? More power - how about trying to reduce the need for so much power.

I hope we will fight this as an iwi. It's not about the jobs or the money it's about the awa and our duty to our children and their children.

Update - Apparently there are 4 different options for a dam rather than one option for 4 dams. Hmmm we'll see.