For immediate release.
Rangitaiki River Under Under Threat Of Destruction.

Trust Power’s Resource Application Will Destroy The Rangitaiki River If Allowed To Go Ahead.

Trust Power have made application to renew the operating conditions of the Matahina Dam, the new conditions will see the Rangitaiki river levels lowered by 50% for 72 hour periods, every weekend and during hot summer periods they will store water to increase generation capacity during periods of high power demand.

The effect on recreational river users will be dramatic and instant with the river being reduced to a stream. Thousands of people use the Rangitaiki River for Fishing, boating and whitebaiting all year round, George Johnston, local resident and Whakatane District Councillor is “outraged by the arrogance and lack of concern for the environment or the river users by Trust Power”. George Johnston will be making a submission at the hearings due to start on the 28 June based on the effects low river flows will have on the Rangitaiki River bar at Thornton and the risk to boating safety, “the low flow will increase the risk to boaties and lives”.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council (previously known as: Environment Bay of Plenty), the guardians of our natural resources have relied entirely upon third party interest groups to defend the Rangitaiki river from becoming what resembles a stream with rotting vegetation lining it’s banks, as seen during trials run in December 2009. Groups and individuals representing the varied river users that have made submissions were forced to employ consultants and legal representatives to help prepare a suitable defence for what has been labelled by many as a “very slick and impressive” application by Trust Power. Trust Power has spent Millions on preparing their case with the defence being left to individuals and public interest groups to fund. “Trust power is in a strong position with the chance of success being better than 50%” is how the case was described by one submitter who did not wish to be named.

Farmers, Horticulturists and all recreational river users will suffer significantly alongside the rivers ecology from the lowering of the river. The only benefit is for Trust Power with a consent that will last 35 years. There is no economic or social benefit for the Bay of Plenty or New Zealand from Trust Powers consent application only the ability to destroy one of New Zealand’s best natural resources.

The general public’s opinion that “This will never Happen” is rightly based on the assumption our resources are being adequately protected by existing legislation and elected bodies, unfortunately Trust Power are very likely to obtain a resource consent that will see generations of New Zealanders deprived of a magnificent natural resource.

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