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Federated Mountain Clubs of New Zealand says it is deeply disappointed by the Fast-Track Panel’s decision to approve Westpower’s hydro scheme on the Waitaha River.
The group says the project will affect one of the country’s last largely intact wild river gorges, an area used by trampers, canyoners and whitewater paddlers on public conservation land.
The decision follows a joint open letter from FMC, Forest & Bird, Greenpeace NZ, NZ Canyoning Association, Buller Tramping Club and former Whitewater NZ president Kev England urging ministers and the panel to decline the application.
Federated Mountain Clubs president Megan Dimozantos says the ruling is a major setback for outdoor recreation and conservation.
“Waitaha is one of the country’s last truly intact wild river gorges. It’s visited by trampers, canyoners, and whitewater paddlers, and it sits on public conservation land.
“Once the scheme is built, there is no going back. Today marks a dark day for recreation and for our conservation estate.”
FMC says it made repeated attempts to provide information on the scheme’s recreational impacts, including concerns about alleged inaccuracies in Westpower’s application, but says the panel declined its request to comment.
“It appears the Panel has actively avoided receiving information that didn’t suit the outcome,” Megan says.
The organisation says it is reviewing the final decision and considering its next steps.
