Meridian's plan to build a dam on the Mokihinui river by flooding the 14 kilometre gorge, will leave 16 of our threatened species homeless, and this wilderness area completely destroyed.
Where is this river found?
The Mokihinui river lies at the top of the South Island
The Mokihinui is found under the western shoulder of Kahurangi National Park at the top of the South Island. It is one of the most important river ecosystems in New Zealand.
Flanked by beech forests, ancient podocarps, riotous displays of rata, and rimu festooned with kiekie, the river alternately dashes across granite and greywacke boulders, and glides through deep pools, as it twists and turns through the gorge.
Why's it so special?
Living in the river are blue duck (whio), longfin eel (tuna), giant kokopu, and a rich array of other native species. The river and forests clothing the hillsides provide habitat for 16 threatened species. Long-tailed bats, western weka, kereru, and powelliphanta snails inhabit this ecological niche.
Blue Duck (whio)
One of only two torrent ducks in the world, the Blue Duck (whio)thrives in our fast-flowing rivers such as the Mohikinui. Damming the river will destroy their habitat, with the birds who live in the gorge perishing as a result.
Powelliphanta or giant land snail
Evolving millions of years ago, our threatened Powelliphanta or giant land snails are carnivorous, and largely confined to the North West of the South Island. A dam would flood all their lowland habitat, and interrupt their natural process of colonising through the gorge in flood events
Longfin eels
Longfin eels can live to over 100 years old, and migrate downstream once in their life to reproduce at sea. The dam would block migration. Eels are on the decline throughout the country due to loss of habitat through dams.
Western weka
Western weka are incredibly inquisitive native birds. Decline of weka populations has been dramatic. The gorge offers a valuable home for these iconic species. Great spotted kiwi also rummage through the forest floors here.
New Zealand’s own database of water-bodies of national importance ranks the Mokihinui 7th for its natural values.
What's going to happen?
At the mouth of this deeply incised granite gorge, Meridian Energy has proposed a vast hydro scheme –an 85 metre high dam that would radically changing this spectacular gorge.
Fourteen kilometres of gorge will disappear under 80 metres of water; 330 hectares of river bed and forest will be flooded; habitat will lost again! It’s all in the name of ‘generating more power’. Yet it’s the biodiversity and wilderness that pay the biggest cost.
Many endangered species will meet a watery death, or be rudely shunted from their homes if the dam is given the green light.
What you can do
Meridian Energy is a state-owned enterprise, owned by our government on behalf of the people of this country. With political will, other energy options exist.
