Rakaia Water Conservation Order hearing on application by TrustPower Ltd

The hearing on TrustPower Ltd’s application to vary the Rakaia Water Conservation Order begins Monday February 13, 2012. Six weeks have been set aside for the hearing in Christchurch at the Hagley Park Netball Clubrooms, Hagley Ave.

Venue: Hagley Park Netball Clubrooms, Hagley Ave, Christchurch

From: Monday, February 13, 10.00 am onwards and every week day thereafter from 9.30 am to 5 pm approximately. A six week time frame has been set aside.

Of 224 submissions, about 70 submitters have indicated that they wish to speak at the hearing. Only people who have made a submission and indicated they wish to speak will be able to address the hearing.

The hearing commissioners are: The Hon Peter Salmon QC (panel chair), Rau Kirikiri (tikanga Maori, specialist area) and Mike Bowden (hydrology, specialist area).

Background

Read media release: Rakaia Water Conservation Order application to be heard.

Environment Canterbury has a processing and decision-making function for the application and neither supports or opposes it. Environment Canterbury has lodged a submission, however, to provide information and technical expertise at the hearing.

The application proposes a series of amendments and additions to the original Water Conservation Order to enable the use of water which is currently diverted and stored in Lake Coleridge/Whakamatau for hydroelectricity generation, for both hydroelectricity and irrigation uses.

The application and evidence can be read on the Rakaia Water Conservation Order page.