Coalition calls for halt to hydro assets sale

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, Issue 24, 10 November 1987, Page 4

Coalition calls for halt to hydro assets sale

The Wanganui River Flows Coalition will make urgent repres e n tations to the Government requesting a postponement of the sale of assets relating to the Western Diversion of the Tongariro Power Scheme to the Electricity Corporation. This request follows a public meeting held in Taumarunui on 20 October 1987 - sponsored by the King Country branch of the Royal Forest & Bird Protection Society and attended by 90 people, many of whom were

representing specific organisations. The object of the meeting was to discuss water flows in the Wanganui River and the nucleus of the Wanganui River Flows Coalition was formed that evening. The meeting decided that something must be done to seek improvements to the way the waters of the Wanganui River are currently managed. The Coalition met on 30 October and decided upon policy. In a statement released 2 November the coalition said they wish to make clear to the Government

and the Electricity Corporation that the value of the water to the Corporation is gong to be challenged, and that the Corporation may not be involved to the extent they think they are going to be. It is the Coalition's considered opinion that the Electricity Corporation should not be given control of publicly owned water in advance of consultation with the "people. Water is held in common ownership and administered by the Crown. At present, at least 80 percent of the average

mean flow of the seven headwater tributaries of the Wanganui River are diverted for hydro-generation to the Tongariro Power Scheme. Authority to divert water was granted by Order in Council in 1958. The Tongariro Power Scheme was constructed under this authority. A Water Right was retrospectively validated in 1976 via the Water & Soil Conservation Act. Under this Act, the people are given an absolute right to be heard when water rights are applied for and public water is distributed, for whatever purpose, according to the Coalition.

The group believes that the legal rights of the people to have their views considered have been denied by the Order in Council and the subsequent validating legislation. Before any transfer of the Western Diversion Water Right takes place, the Coalition consider that it is appropriate that the views of the people be taken into consideration. They believe that a raview of the Water Right would allow proper investigation of all ihe values of the Wanganui River. The Coalition are concerned to see due regard is given all the uses and po-

tential uses of the Wanganui River waters. Minimum Flow Regime The Wanganui River and tributaries are presently managed under a "minimum flow regime" which was set in place in 1983. The Rangitikei Wanganui Catchment Board have recently outlined procedures and timetables to review this regime, with a public hearing scheduled for May 1988. The Coalition says they do not consider the proposed review to be relevant at this point in time, because of the pending sale of assets and the proposed transfer of water rights to the Electricity Corporation. Ministerial Consultations Sought The group says consultation with the Ministers of Conservation, Tourism & Publicity and Recreation & Sport will be sought at the earliest possible opportunity. The Minister of Energy will also be informed of the grave concerns held by the Coalition. The Coalition believe these Ministers should visit the area very soon, so that they may have a first hand knowledge of the causes of the Coalition's concerns. One of those concerns is directly related to the new Whanganui National Park. The National Parks & Reserves Act 1980 dictates that the Park must be managed under a maximum protection and preservation policy. However, the Contd. onP.17

Coalition calls halt

Contd. from P.4 Coalition believes the river, which gives the Park its name and as its centrepiece, is presently managed under a maximum exploitation policy. Should this situation remain unchanged, the Coalition believe it will seriously compromise National Park principles and management, as well as set a dangerous transferable precedent. Members of the Coalition are: Naturally Whanganui Incorporated; Canoe Safaries, Mt Maunganui; King Country Branch, Royal Forest & Bird Protection Society; Taumarunui Boating Club (in conjunction with NZ Jetboat Assn);

Owhango Community Council; Taumarunui & District Promotions Association; Friends of Rivers at Kakahi Society; Taumarunui Tramping Club; River City Canoe Club, Wanganui; Winston Oliver, Operator MV Wakapai; Plateau Guides Ltd, Raetihi; Taumarunui Museum Trust; C & S Publications, Taumarunui; Owhango Electrical Co; National Bloodstock Underwriters, Auckland; South End Tours, Turangi; Federated Mountain Clubs of NZ; Waimarino Ward, Central North Island Wildlife Conservancy; National Park Community Council; Kakahi General Store; Taumarunui Rod, Rifle & Gun Club; "Beautiful Taumarunui".