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Wild Rivers: The Waitaha
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Famed for its white water and irridescent glacial water, the West coast's Waitaha river is facing threats from a hydro-electric plan that could see its lower gorge de-watered.
Where is the river found?
Waitaha River
A rugged and remote West Coast river, the Waitaha, is a wilderness and biodiversity treasure. Loved by all who visit, the Waitaha has its upper reaches in the snowy and ice covered Southern Alps. Ivory Glacier feeds an alpine lake, and water tumbles majestically down Stag Creek to the Upper Waitaha.
Why is it so special?
The river broadens at times to provide important habitat for blue duck/whio, including at the important location of Kiwi Flat. It then pinches and goes through one of the most spectacular gorges in the country – the Morgan Gorge, before emerging to take a short meander to the West Coast’s Tasman Sea. Lying almost wholly within public conservation land, the mecca of the Waitaha has called trampers and kayakers for decades.
What's planned for this river?
NZ Westpower, based on the West Coast, is investigating a number of options on the Waitaha River. Currently it favours dewatering the Morgan Gorge through a weir and pipe system to generate around 20MW of energy. Investigations are ongoing and Forest & Bird is maintaining a watching brief.
What you can do
- Write to the West Coast Regional Council urging them to ensure that wild rivers on conservation land are protected from hydro development in their planning documents. Address it to the Chief Executive, WCRC, PO Box 66, Greymouth 7840
- Contact NZ Westpower, and ask to be kept informed. Urge them not to destroy the wild and scenic, Waitaha River. Details at: http://www.westpower.co.nz/
- Write to the Prime Minister/Minister of Tourism, Hon John Key, c/- Parliament Buildings, Wellington. Mention how important our wild rivers are to our important tourism image.