August 2012 Issue - Federated Mountain Clubs of NZ

This timeline celebrates the recent victory over the decision notto dam the Mokihinui.1996 Kahurangi National Park is formed, butcontroversially, the Mokihinui catchment isexcluded, and it remains as Stewardship land.March 2008 Crown-owned energy companyMeridian announces its intentions to build an85-metre-high, 300-metre-wide dam on thelower Mokihinui, which would create a 14-kilometre-long reservoir, and flood 330 hectaresof forest.2008 Immediate opposition to the dam comesfrom FMC, Forest and Bird, Fish & Game, theNZ Rafting Association, the NZ RecreationalCanoeing Association, Whitewater NZ, WorldWildlife Fund NZ, the Green Party, the NewZealand Historic Places Trust and the BullerConservation Group, among others.10 April 2008 FMC’s submission to the WestCoast Regional Council opposes the dam.May 2008 Forest and Bird’s Nelson campaignerDebs Martin writes ‘Mokihinui Magic’ article inForest and Bird.August 2008 FMC runs major articles inthe Bulletin condemning the dam proposal.Executive member Quentin Duthie writes ‘TheMokihinui is one of the few rivers on the Coastthat is challenging enough to create a qualitywhitewater experience, yet it is also a suitablywild river for first-timers like me; a perfectintroduction to the joys of whitewater recreationin wild places, yet still attractive to old hands.’August-November 2008 The resource consenthearings begin.April 2010 Resource consents to dam the riverare granted to Meridian. Forest and Bird lodgesan appeal against the consents.May 2010 The Department of Conservationlodges an objection to the dam in the EnvironmentCourt. Environmental groups also plan for battlein the court.September 2010 Craig Potton’s Wild Riverstelevision documentary series screens on PrimeTV, with the first episode devoted to the wildvalues of the Mokihinui.March 2011 Forest and Bird produces a $100Mokihinui River share to raise funds to fight thedam proposal.May 2012 Hydroelectricty or wild rivers?Climate change versus natural heritage reportpublished by Parliamentary Commissioner forthe Environment, Dr Jan Wright. It states ‘On theone hand hydroelectricity helps New Zealandreach its target of 90% renewable electricity by2025 and supports its ‘clean and green’ image.Yet while the scenic rivers are also part of thatclean green image, there is a fundamental aspectwhich is that once altered a wild and scenic rivercannot be remade.’22 May 2012 Meridian cancels the project, andwithdraws from the Environment Court case.17 July 2012 The West Coast Tai PoutiniConservation Board announces its support foradding the Mokihinui River and catchment toKahurangi National Park.FMCL-R: Nelson photographer and conservationist Craig Potton photographing the Mokihinui River gorge. Nelsonpublisher, tramper and conservationist Derek Shaw (author of the 1991 North West Nelson Tramping Guide) on the‘Suicide Slip’ section of the Mokihinui River track. Photos: Andy DennisAugust 2012 • FMC Bulletin 43