Submission On Project Aqua

12 March 2004

Minister for the Environment
Project Aqua & Waitaki Called-in Applications Submissions
Free Post 1201
PO Box 1
Christchurch

cc.

Meridian Energy Ltd
c/- Anderson Lloyd Caudwell
Private Bag 1959
Dunedin 9020

Submission on Project Aqua – Applicant: Meridian Energy Ltd.

This submission applies to all consents (including all called-in consents – CRC031800-CRC031806 and CRC031811) and applications relating to Project Aqua.

The New Zealand Recreational Canoeing Association Inc. (NZRCA) is the national body representing recreational whitewater paddlers (i.e., kayakers and canoeists).

We oppose in their entirety all applications for consents with respect to Project Aqua because of the effects Project Aqua would have on the general amenity, recreational opportunities and the health of the lower Waitaki river system, unless proper mitigation is provided. More specifically:

• The lower Waitaki River is used by whitewater kayakers particularly as a training venue for multisport, downriver paddlers and beginner paddlers.
• Project Aqua will adversely affect the general amenity and recreational value of the lower Waitaki River. In particular, Project Aqua will effectively destroy the “big river” experience currently enjoyed by users.
• At present there is little conflict between recreational users (e.g., anglers, jet boaters and kayakers) on the river. However with the reduction of water flow to some 30% of the original, this will condense all recreational activities into a much smaller area. Not only is conflict more likely to arise, but also there is likely to be serious safety issues, particularly between jet boaters and kayakers.
• A report from NIWA, “Project Aqua – Microbiological Assessment of the Lower Waitaki Basin” (April 2003) suggests that there will be potentially be a significant reduction in water quality in the residual river. This has the potential to seriously erode if not destroy the general and recreational amenity values currently provided by the river.

We seek that the Minister and other relevant authorities decline the Project Aqua consents because of its effects on general amenity, recreational opportunities and the health of the river, unless proper mitigation is provided. We also wish to be heard in support of our submission (i.e., to speak at the public hearing).

Thank your for consideration.

Duncan Catanach
North Island Conservation Officer
New Zealand Recreational Canoeing Association

Submission Details:

Full Name: New Zealand Recreational Canoeing Association, represented by Duncan John Catanach, North Island Conservation Officer
Postal Address: PO Box 284, Wellington, New Zealand
Email: niconservation{at}rivers.org.nz (Please replace the {at} with @ to email.)