Boards defer power decision

Ruapehu Bulletin, 26 March 1991, Page 1

Boards defer power decision

Potential investors in the proposed Karioi power scheme are to be invited to a meeting to discuss where the project goes from here. It will be up to those attending the proposed meeting to decide whether or not the scheme should proceed and in what form. Consultants Catherall Taylor Associates, of Wellington are to be commissioned to act as facilitators of the proposed investor meeting. The King Country electric power board, instigator of the proposal, has decided because it could only be a minority investor in the $140 million scheme any future planning rightly belongs with the consortium (which will include the board). Midwestern Power company (WanganuiRangitikei electric Power Board) directors said their company is interested in becoming an investor in the scheme when they met with the KCEPB. Meanwhile general manager Peter Till said a good response had been received at a second meeting held in Ohakune to keep interested parties informed. About 60 people attended. As a result of publicity received further submissions had been received about the pro-

posal, some for and some against the scheme. They ranged from canoe clubs who are opposed to the scheme, through to an individual who wants to start a rowing club using the proposed hydro lake. Other new submissions have come from the Maori people who live at the mouth of the river, Department of Conservation, Royal Forest and Bird Protection society and acclimatisation society. Turnpage 2

Karioi power

From page 1 "As a result of the interest from the Wanganui area it is appropriate to hod a public meeting there to explain the proposals as well as give individual briefings to those with a special interest", Mr Till told the board. The hydro proposals were displayed at the Karioi Gymkhana, attracting a lot of interest with a surprising response to a similar display at the Ohura A&P Show.