Monday, August 20 2001
Gerry Eckhoff
Press Releases -- Governance & Constitution

ACT Energy Spokesman Gerry Eckhoff says it now appears the Green Party wish to manage the lake levels of the South Island.

"The decision of Meridian Energy to spill water in February has been taken to task by Jeanette Fitzsimons. Why did she not criticise that decision in February? Clearly, Meridian Energy must decide the appropriate level in which to operate. Forecasts were for a mild winter and average rain and stream flow.

"The Greens it seems are quite prepared to use private property to "store" water in the event of a major flood.

"This is yet again another example of the inept thinking of the Green Party whose populist attacks on industry match their shallowness.

"It is right and proper for the electricity industry to confine water levels within the natural watercourse.

"Private property cannot and should not be used as storage capacity despite the Greens indifference to this form of distressing trespass to landowners," Gerry Eckhoff said.

For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at act@parliament.govt.nz.

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