Greens Prepare To Save Mokihinui And Other Rivers

Greens Prepare To Save Mokihinui And Other Wild Rivers

The Greens are preparing for another environmental win from John Key’s Government with the launch of their Save the Mokihinui Wild Rivers campaign, the Green Party said today.

“We’re asking John Key’s Government to not to underestimate public opinion again. New Zealanders love our wild rivers and the flora and fauna that make their homes there. So let’s protect them,” said Green Party conservation spokesperson, Kevin Hague.

“The Government has backed down on mining in our national parks. They followed that with a moratorium on new water takes from the threatened Hurunui River.”

“Now we’re asking them to stop Meridian Energy from damming one of New Zealand’s last remaining wild rivers — the Mokihinui — destroying it forever.

“Today I have launched a petition requesting Parliament to protect the Mokihinui and introduce better legislative protection for our remaining wild rivers. Their significance for biodiversity, recreation, tourism, and ecosystem services far outweighs any short-term gains we can make from damming them.”

The Mokihinui River on the South Island's West Coast has been identified as one of New Zealand's most ecologically valuable wild rivers. It flows from Kahurangi National Park and passes through a magnificent gorge. Meridian Energy plan an 85m hydro-electricity dam drowning 330 hectares of native rainforest.

“This power scheme is entirely unnecessary for the West Coast, which will be self-sufficient once Hydro Developments Ltd's Stockton hydro scheme is built,” said Mr Hague.

“HDL’s power scheme has a net positive environmental benefit. Cynically, Meridian is attempting to block the scheme in favour of their own highly destructive alternative.

“John Key needs to reign in Meridian once and for all.”

The Mokihinui is home to the endangered native long-finned eel. A large healthy population of long-fins live in the Mokihinui — one of the few unpolluted and undammed habitats left. They share the river with threatened blue duck (whio) giant kokopu, and a rich array of other rare native fish. The surrounding hillsides provide habitat for long-tailed bats, western weka, kaka, kiwi, and giant land snails.

Save the Mokihinui Wild Rivers website:
http://www.greens.org.nz/mokihinui

Stunning Craig Potton pictures of the Mokihinui River may be freely used with appropriate attribution. They are available at: http://www.greens.org.nz/sites/default/files/images/Mokihinui_gorge_aerial.jpg http://www.greens.org.nz/sites/default/files/images/Mokihinui_Potton_7.JPG

ENDS