Shock and celebration as hydro bid rejected

The Government has rejected a company’s proposal to build a hydroelectric power scheme on a pristine West Coast river.

While environmentalists are celebrating the decision to knock back the scheme on the Waitaha River, near Hokitika, applicants Westpower Ltd say they are “utterly stunned”.

The community-owned company proposed to divert the river flow into the power scheme tunnel at the head of Morgan Gorge, with water being returned, below a powerhouse, about 2.6km downstream.

The project involved the construction of a weir, a 2km-long access road and other infrastructure, including the powerhouse and tunnel.

Environment Minister David Parker said the proposal would have significantly affected the area’s natural character.

“The area is largely unmodified by humans. It is near to pristine and yet is accessible for recreation,” Parker said.

“The area is valued for its natural beauty and wilderness qualities for recreation. The proposal would have significantly undermined the area’s intrinsic values which people experience when they tramp and kayak there.

“Westpower’s application was careful and comprehensive. I recognise it invested substantial time, energy and money in the process.”

Forest & Bird, which was among hundreds of people and groups that submitted against the project, called the move a good decision.

“This is one of New Zealand’s last truly wild rivers as well as pristine conservation land,” spokeswoman Jen Miller said.

“More than 25 native bird species including kea, ka¯ka¯ and ka¯rearea, plus long-tailed bats, and forest and green geckos make the Waitaha their home.

“There are already consented, unbuilt hydro schemes on the coast, so the economic case for this one was very weak.

“Given new technologies such as solar and battery storage, and the main transmission line’s resilience to storms, the proposal to dam an ecologically significant area was entirely retrograde.”

Westpower chairman Mike Newcombe however argued the decision had “swept aside” West Coast interests and long-term benefits.

“It calls into question the extent to which this Government really does have an intention to support regional economic growth and is genuinely committed to addressing the significant threats from climate change through renewable energy projects.”