Rakaia Water Conservation Order hearing on application by TrustPower Ltd

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: http://ecan.govt.nz/news-and-notices/news/Pages/rakaia-wco-application.aspx
(media release from last October’s Environment Canterbury meeting)

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 at: http://ecan.govt.nz/get-involved/consent-projects/rakaia-wco/pages/default.aspx