Initial indications show strong support for an appeal by the
New Zealand and Otago Fish and Game councils to prevent dams
being built on the Nevis River.
Otago Fish and Game council chairman Niall Watson said more
than 100 submissions were received before the deadline of
October 3, and although there had not been a final report on
the submissions, it appeared at this stage that there was
strong support for the appeal.
The councils want the Water Conservation (Kawarau ) Order
1997 altered to protect the Nevis River, which flows from its
source at the southern end of the Garvie and Hector Ranges,
to its confluence with the Kawarau River about 50km
northeast.
The order has given some protection to the river, but does
not preclude the river being used for hydro-electric power
generation.
Pioneer Generation has plans to build two dams on the Nevis
and chief executive Peter Dowling said the company would be
making a submissions to the tribunal on the basis that the
Nevis clause in the 1997 order should stand.
Mr Watson said he had had some indication a pre-hearing would
be held before Christmas.
"It will depend on the weight of the submissions. We're not
expecting the actual hearing to take place before Christmas
but that would be for the Ministry for the Environment to
confirm."
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