Forest and Bird's Dunedin branch is gearing up for a campaign
to support the Otago Fish and Game Council's bid to protect
the Nevis River from damming.
It is holding a public meeting in Dunedin tonight when Otago
Fish and Game Council chief executive Niall Watson will speak
on why the Nevis is worth protecting.
Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society southern
conservation officer Sue Maturin said damming the Nevis would
destroy Otago's last remaining free-flowing river and destroy
the Nevis Valley's untamed character.
"Our wild rivers are not renewable," Ms Maturin said.
"Damming natural rivers is not an environmentally sustainable
way to generate power."
In the case of the Nevis, the valley floor had important
historical values as well as native flora and fauna,
landscape and recreational values, Ms Maturin said.
The meeting will be held in the University of Otago's zoology
building at 7.45pm.
Nevis River
I moved from Dorset, UK to Cromwell in December 06. The Nevis Valley has always been a very special place for me. It is one of the most unspoilt, beautiful parts of the countryside to visit in the area.
My friends and i enjoy going there for picnics, walking, swimming, kayaking and fishing. It really is the only place that i go to to get away from it all. It has always reminded me of the more remote parts of Scotland but of course is an example of New Zealand at it's best.
I would hate to see this taken away and flooded. It is a part of history and life that would be lost forever and would affect many people.
I am very much hoping that one day I will be able to take my horse and ride through the Nevis to Gaston. It is a trip I am planning and am really looking forward to doing.
I will sign any petition or help in any way to prevent this valley from disappearing under water.