Meridian welcomes Mokihinui consents

State-owned power company Meridian has welcomed the granting of resource consent for its Mokihinui hydro proposal on the West Coast.

Chief Executive Tim Lusk says the project has the overwhelming support of West Coasters, who recognise the importance of this project in ensuring the region’s current and future energy needs are met and security of supply is significantly improved.

“For a long time the West Coast has been dependent on a long and vulnerable transmission line transporting power to the region from the Waitaki. Mokihinui will allow the region to use its own natural resources to provide a source of clean, renewable power.”

In addition Mr Lusk says the project will provide an economic boost for the region, and associated coastal erosion control works to be carried out by Meridian will give the town of Mokihinui a measure of certainty and confidence for the future.

“Clearly we are aware that there will be some environmental impact from the project. Meridian has gone to great lengths to mitigate the various effects of the hydro scheme to ensure the benefits of the scheme outweigh the effects.

“The decision contains a large number conditions aimed at ensuring that environmental effects are kept to a minimum.. We are aware that the decision is subject to appeal to the Environment Court”.

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