Glenn Murdoch wants to help protect wild rivers so they are
still there while his daughter, Maia Kerr, grows up. Photo
by Catherine Pattison.
"The real reason I do it now is for her," Whitewater NZ
conservation spokesman Glenn Murdoch says, nodding down at his
3-month-old daughter Maia.
Mr Murdoch's kayaking group has joined forces with seven
other conservation and outdoor recreation organisations to
fight for New Zealand's wild rivers, which include the Nevis,
to be protected from hydro-electric dams and irrigation
intakes.
Their aim is to have legislation enacted that would give
rivers the same level of protection as national parks.
"We've said enough is enough - too many wild rivers have been
destroyed. We need to look after the few we've got
remaining," Mr Murdoch (35) said.
The groups that united this week are Fish and Game, Federated
Mountain Clubs, Forest and Bird, Whitewater NZ, the Council
of Outdoor Recreation Associations of NZ, the NZ Rafting
Association, the NZ Federation of Freshwater Anglers and the
Environment and Conservation Organisations of NZ.
Over summer, they will be organising events to highlight the
value of wild rivers.
They were spurred into action by plans for a hydro dam on the
West Coast's Mokihinui River, irrigation water storage dams
on Canterbury's Hurunui River and fears the Government is
considering scrapping Water Conservation Orders nationwide,
Mr Murdoch said.
"There's been a general growing of alarm among the NGO's
about the threats to rivers."
Dams on five wild rivers in the North Island and six in the
South Island are in the offing.
The New Zealand and Otago Fish and Game Councils have sought
a change to the existing Water Conservation Order on the
Kawarau River, asking for a ban on damming the Nevis River,
along with conditions on minimum flows.
The Ministry for the Environment has appointed a special
tribunal to determine whether hydro development on the Nevis
should be banned.
The status quo would leave the option open for dams on the
river.
A month-long hearing that began in Cromwell in May has been
adjourned until early next year, when more witnesses will
give evidence.
Having kayaked for 15 years and worked as a kayak and raft
guide in Italy and Japan, Wanaka-based Mr Murdoch has seen
the impact on rivers "where they are heavily modified by dams
and irrigation structures".
His nearest wild river is so dear to his heart that he and
partner Natalie Kerr gave their baby Maia, Nevis as her
second name.
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