Trout Federation Oppose Waitaha Hydro Use
The NZ Federation of Freshwater Anglers has opposed an application by Westpower Limited for a hydro scheme on the
Waitaha River on the West Coast.
Steve Gerard spokesman for the Federation said the Waitaha wilderness experience and retention of the valley’s values
was important.
“Fishing isn’t just about fishing. It’s the total experience. This area provides the opportunity for anglers to explore
this fishery and enjoy the remote natural environment as it is. The development of a hydro scheme in this area will
detract from that experience, particularly the development and siting of the power station itself and its supporting
infrastructure. The proposal does not meet the purpose of the Conservation Act,” he said.
The Waitaha River about 30 km south of Hokitika has an early run of sea run browns and holds varying numbers of good
resident brown trout in stable pools. Trout spawning could be adversely affect by the proposal.
The NZ Federation of Freshwater Anglers valued and supported the protection of the natural environment, particularly on
proposals that woulds have "irrevocable impacts" on the high natural values as this proposal would have on this wild
river. Mitigation proposals by Westpower wouldl not mitigate the impacts of the intrusion of manmade structures and
altered river flows on this outstanding natural landscape.“
"This is a truly wild river and its intrinsic character that includes the native flora and fauna would be permanently
destroyed by imposing a hydro scheme on public conservation land,” said the Federation. "The Morgan Gorge is an
outstanding natural feature and one of the most spectacular gorges in the country.”
"The NZ Federation of Freshwater Anglers understands there is ample supply of electricity on the West Coast with
recently upgraded lines capacity to bring more in as needed, which negates the need to impact on such a wild naturally
outstanding place,” said the submission.
ends