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.

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