March 29, 2004
Media Release
Union calls for assurance over power supply
The union that represents manufacturing workers is calling for assurances on future energy supplies in the wake of
today’s announcement that Project Aqua is being dropped.
EPMU national secretary Andrew Little said that while the union did not have a view on the environmental issues involved
in the Meridian Energy plan to dam the Upper Waitaki River, it had very strong views on New Zealand’s need for a
sustainable energy supply.
“Last year we saw plants sitting idle and workers losing jobs because the country didn’t have enough energy,” Mr Little
said.
“We know that lack of certainty over the electricity supply is hindering business investments in New Zealand, and
therefore costing us jobs. Ensuring we have a continuous supply is a major priority for this country.”
Ends