Dunne: DoC to be applauded for Mokihinui appeal

UnitedFuture leader Peter Dunne has applauded the Department of Conservation for its ‘courageous’ appeal of the decision to grant resource consent for the Mokihinui Hydro Dam.

“I consider this to be a very courageous appeal and entirely appropriate for a government department charged with protecting our precious conservation estate,” said Mr Dunne.

“I am also pleased to note that Forest and Bird have likewise lodged an appeal. I know from discussions I have had with them recently that such an appeal is a significant financial undertaking and the decision to go ahead would not have been taken lightly.”

“As UnitedFuture did not submit to the original application I am unable to lodge my own appeal, however, I am fully supportive of those lodged by DoC and Forest and Bird, and will assist inside Parliament where I can.”

UnitedFuture is of the opinion that damming ‘wild’ rivers such as the Mokihinui is unnecessary and environmentally irresponsible.

“Despite the rhetoric around clean green renewable hydro, rivers are in one sense an incredibly finite resource.”

“Sure, the water itself maybe renewable, however, damming a river, especially something of the scale of the Mokihinui proposal, dramatically changes the character of that river and its surrounding environment forever.”

“Lets make the Mokihinui the last time we have this debate, and commit to protecting our wild and scenic rivers for the enjoyment of generations to come,” said Mr Dunne.

ENDS

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