Te Ururoa Flavell
MP for Waiariki | Maori Party Whip

13 December, 2011

Early Christmas gift for Te Teko community says MP

Te Teko will be celebrating an early Christmas gift says Māori Party MP for Waiariki, Te Ururoa Flavell, following the decision made by the Environment Court to reject Trustpower’s bid to halve the Rangitaiki River’s minimum flow rate.

“I am glad that the hearing committee saw no sense in the proposal by Trustpower. A one percent increase in electricity generation is not worth the possible adverse effects caused by minimum water flow,” says Mr Flavell

“The community, and in particular Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa, have worked tirelessly to oppose this proposal and their efforts have paid off,” he adds.

“I was first alerted to this issue by the Te Teko Home Sweet Home Facebook page. The responses showed a great deal of unease amongst the locals, including concern for their livelihood such as eeling, whitebaiting, and fishing.

“This is a great example of a community working together towards a common goal and I congratulate all those who contributed to this outcome.”

“I am aware there are still some concerns around the conditions of the interim 35 year license and I encourage everyone to submit in writing their concerns by the 23rd of January to the Bay of Plenty Regional Council,” ends Mr Flavell.

ENDS

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