Copeland: Amend Conservation Act 'straitjacket'

United Future energy spokesman Gordon Copeland today called on the Government to amend the Conservation Act to get hydro-power schemes up and running so New Zealand doesn't keep facing power crises every few years.

"The Government must make the changes necessary so we can generate more hydro-power in a country with abundant rainfall and water resources.

"We've got to move passed the point where such plans are continually blocked by at times unreasonable environmental concerns," Mr Copeland said.

"The fact is we can have a clean, green New Zealand and sufficient hydro-power generation if we are prepared to make it happen, but not if there is a legislative straitjacket such as the Conservation Act in its current form," he said.

In Parliament today, in response to a question from Mr Copeland, Conservation Minister Chris Carter refused to seek to amend the Conservation Act.

"I think this is simply unacceptable," Mr Copeland said.

Earlier he had questioned Mr Carter over his recent decision to can the Dobson hydro-electric scheme on the West Coast, and on whether he took account of any views other than environmental ones in coming to his decision.

Some 33 percent of all land in New Zealand is controlled by DOC, including all rivers, streams and lakes.

© Scoop Media