Together with its partner Poutini Ng\u0101i Tahu, Westpower said it welcomed the panel\u2019s draft decision to approve the project.<\/p>\n
It said the scheme was an important step towards improving the resilience of electricity supply on the West Coast and contributing to Aotearoa New Zealand\u2019s climate change commitments.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are encouraged to see the Waitaha Hydro project move forward. This is a major step for renewable energy in the region and New Zealand. We are committed to progressing responsibly, in partnership with Poutini Ng\u0101i Tahu and our local communities,\u201d Westpower chief executive Peter Armstrong said.<\/p>\n
Federated Mountain Clubs (FMC), however, said the proposal risked destroying a unique environment. President Megan Dimozantos said it was bad news for recreational users and the conservation estate.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Waitaha is one of the country\u2019s last intact wild river valleys. Once a scheme like this is built, there is no going back.\u201d<\/p>\n
She said the Waitaha Valley, including the Morgan Gorge, was regarded as one of the finest canyoning destinations in New Zealand.<\/p>\n
She said the area was visited by trampers, canyoners and white-water paddlers, and sat on public conservation land.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Morgan Gorge in particular, which would be de-watered by this scheme, is a very special place. There are hidden hot pools there. It has been described as the Everest of the white-water kayaking world. It is just a beautiful and special place.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dimozantos said when the project was declined in 2019 the FMC did not expect to see it come back to life.<\/p>\n
The FMC was also unhappy that it and other parties were stopped from making a submission to the fast-track expert panel on the proposal.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe asked to be able to comment, and we were declined that opportunity. We also tried writing to the fast-track panel, and they subsequently put out a minute clarifying that they would not take any of the information we had given to them into account.\u201d<\/p>\n
She said the FMC was considering its options, including taking legal advice.<\/p>\n
The expert panel was now seeking further feedback from specific parties, including the applicant and the local authorities, before it made its final decision.<\/p>\n
Westpower was approached for comment.<\/p>\n