Green co-leader to raft the Nevis River

What: Green co-leader Russel Norman rafts the Nevis River as part of his Dirty (and Threatened) Rivers Rafting Tour

When: 12:00pm, Tuesday, 18 January 2011

Where: Nevis Crossing (where Nevis Road crosses the Nevis River)

Who: Green Party Co-leader Russel Norman and guide Glenn Murdoch of Whitewater NZ

Following the launch of his second annual Dirty (and Threatened) Rivers Rafting Tour on the Wairau River this week, Green Party Co-leader Dr Russel Norman will raft the Nevis River on Tuesday.

“Our rivers, streams, and lakes are under incredible stress, and face numerous threats including pollution, agricultural intensification, and hydro schemes,” Dr Norman said.

“The threat to the Nevis is a dam proposal by energy company Pioneer Generation.

“Although the water in this hydro scheme is renewable, the habitat that would be flooded as a result of the dam is not.

“The Nevis River is the only place worldwide where the indigenous fish the Gollum galaxidd can be found, and a dam places the species at risk of extinction.

“Fortunately a Special Tribunal has recommended that the Kawarau Water Conservation Order be amended to include the Nevis River. Water Conservation Orders are like National Parks for rivers, and would protect this unique native fish species.

However, Pioneer Generation is currently challenging this decision in the Environment Court. Citing an historic agreement, DOC has refused to join the case to defend this fish, despite a legal responsibility to preserve all indigenous freshwater fisheries and freshwater fish habitats.

"I am visiting the Nevis on Tuesday to highlight the need for its protection and highlight the Government’s lack of action in this regard," said Dr Norman.

This Government is also sitting on a proposed National Policy Statement (NPS) that would help address our freshwater crisis.

“All the Policy needs is Minister for the Environment Nick Smith’s signature, but he is sitting on his hands.

"I hope my visit to the Nevis, and other stops on my Dirty (and Threatened) Rivers Rafting Tour, will galvanise support for the proposed NPS. We need clean water rules without delay.

ENDS

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