FOREST & BIRD URGES ELECTRICORP TO DROP DIVERSIONS APPEAL

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 263, 15 November 1988, Page 1

FOREST & BIRD URGES ELECTRICORP TO DROP DIVERSIONS APPEAL

Electricorp has been told it should cease diverting water from the Wanganui and Whakapapa rivers until it has sought, and been granted, a water right for the diversion. Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society officer Mark Bellingham said at a meeting in Wanganui last week that Electricorp should withdraw its appeal to the planning tribunal over the restrictions placed on their water diversion. He said if the corporation applied for a water right then "everyone would know where they stand". That is, Electricorp would have to state exactly how much water it needs for the diversion. Mr Bellington said Electricorp's appeal, which he maintains is "looking flimsier", would cost Wanganui and Rangitikei ratepayers for the catchment board to appear at the tribunal. He said Electricorp's case was weakened by their admission that the Whakapapa Wanganui diversion decision would cost $6 million per year in added power generating fuel costs, down from the $17 million figure quoted earlier.