Fishing News >May 2008

Nevis River Update May 2008

In December 2007 the Minister for the Environment accepted Otago Fish and Game’s application to amend the Kawarau Water Conservation Order and referred the matter to a special tribunal to hear and report on it.  The amendment seeks to more fully recognize the river’s outstanding values and to protect them by prohibiting damming altogether.

The current water conservation order only partially prohibits dams on the river.  Local power company Pioneer Generation wants to develop a 40mega watt scheme on the river and has been building up to apply for resource consent for some time but a Water Conservation Order amendment prohibiting damming could end their ambitions.

Once the special tribunal has been appointed there will be a call for submissions from interested parties and hearing dates will be set. The timetable is not know at this stage but is likely to start in the next month or so with hearings latter on in the year.  Making a submission in support of the prohibition on damming is a positive thing that individuals can do to help protect the river.  If you want to be kept informed of developments send your email contact details to n.watson@fish-game.org.nz

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