Proposed Mokau dam would destroy popular run

2005-03-18T15:37:00+13:00

[18 March] King Country Energy has applied for a resource consent to dam the Mokau River in Taranaki. The proposal involves a 44m earth dam 4.3km below Wairere Falls that would inundate the existing rapids (including Little Huka and Corkscrew Rapid) and destroy the existing recreational amenity. You can make a submission by sending a ‘Form 13’ (PDF, 480k) to Environment Waikato, PO Box 4010, Hamilton East (phone 0800 800 402) by 18 April. A contact person, if required, is Diane Palmer. You must also send a copy of your submission to King Country Energy, PO Box 363, Taumarunui, Attention Kit Wilson at the same time. Update, 22 March: Nick Collins has created a coordinating website and the media has picked up the story (temporary link). You can also read about a 1951 descent of the Mokau.