‘Mt Cook of rivers’ to remain wild

The Government has rejected a hydro-scheme that would have tamed a ferocious stretch of water known as the ‘‘Mt Cook of rivers’’.

The $100 million scheme would have generated enough electricity to power about 12,000 households.

Westpower, a 100 per cent community-owned company, applied for a Department of Conservation concession for the scheme on the Waitaha River in Westland.

The final decision rested with Environment Minister David Parker, who declined the application despite DOC approving it in principle.

Westpower chairman Mike Newcombe said the decision ‘‘shattered West Coasters’ ambitions for the sake of environment interests’’.

‘‘We are utterly stunned ... West Coast interests and longterm benefits have been swept aside,’’ Newcombe said.

He questioned the Government’s commitment to regional economic growth and addressing the significant threats from climate change through renewable energy projects.

The proposal would have provided jobs and increased business confidence as a result of a more reliable and cost-effective energy supply, he said.

‘‘We put up a proposal that

‘‘West Coast interests and long-term benefits have been swept aside.’’ Westpower’s Mike Newcombe

ticks all the boxes: renewable, sustainable energy, long-term regional economic development boost, careful environmental stewardship – and yet it was declined.’’

Newcombe said the company would be reviewing the detail of the decision.

Parker said he declined the application because the power scheme would have significant impacts on the area’s natural character, the intrinsic value of the area and people’s enjoyment of it.

‘‘The area is largely unmodified by humans. It is near to pristine and yet is accessible for recreation. The area is valued for its natural beauty and wilderness qualities for recreation,’’ Parker said.

Fewer than a dozen people have successfully paddled the Morgan Gorge, the most challenging part of the river, and no-one has traversed its entire length.

It has drawn parallels among kayakers to Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain.

If approved, the scheme would have at times reduced the river’s flow by up to 85 per cent, effectively drying it out.