Strong Opposition to Proposed Matakitaki River Hydro-scheme

2009-07-29T13:11:30+12:00

Whitewater NZ has presented Network Tasman with feedback from over 200 kayakers and kayaking organisations (PDF, 277KB), opposing the proposed hydro scheme on the Matakitaki River in Murchison. Feedback has been received not only from kayakers around New Zealand but also from kayakers and visitors from overseas, highlighting the value that the Matakitaki River has as a recreational and teaching kayaking resource. Whitewater NZ Conservation Officer Tony Ward-Holmes says, “submissions received on the pre-feasibility study from whitewater users are only the tip of the iceberg. The Matakitaki River is one of the most highly used kayaking rivers in New Zealand and If Network Tasman were to proceed to a full feasibility study there would be many more kayakers who would oppose the scheme.” (Media Release, 29 July 2009).

Conservation