Valley saved – West Coast group celebrates

West Coasters are celebrating Meridian Energy's decision to cancel plans for a hydro dam on the Mokihinui River, in the Buller region.

“This is a stunning, dynamic and near-pristine landscape and ecosystem. We are stoked that Meridian Energy has realised that it is simply too precious to dam” said West Coast Environment Network spokesperson Dr Brian Anderson. The group had appealled the resource consents, granted in 2010, to the Environment Court and was finalising its expert evidence, due on Friday.

“Our evidence would have shown that the Mokihinui Gorge is an outstanding natural feature, and that the dam and reservoir would have destroyed that feature and replaced it with a reservoir that lacks natural character.” said Dr Anderson

West Coast Environment Network will now advocate that Mokihinui River be added to Kahurangi National Park.

ENDS

© Scoop Media