Green MP takes to Rangitaiki river
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| Photo [Matahina Dam / Lani Hepi] |
Green Party Mp Eugenie Sage is set to take to the Bay of Plenty's longest river this weekend.
The Rangitaiki River is under threat from owner operator of The Matahina Dam, TrustPower Ltd’ application to reduce flow levels so it can generate more power in times of peak demand. The application is currently before the Environment Court.
Ms Sage along with community members and various representatives from local business organisations will kayak down the river from Matahina Dam stopping at Te Teko where a community hui will be held with special guests speakers.
“Reducing the flow may increase TrustPower’s profit but it would be at the expense of people’s ability to enjoy the river, and the Rangitaiki’s ability to sustain whitebait, fish birds and other wildlife.” Green Party MP and Water spokeswomen Eugenie Sage says.
“We need strong rules for ecological flows to protect our rivers. The Rangitaiki is another victim of Government’s failure to progress national standards for ecological flows proposed in 2008.
“There are many pressures on our lakes, rivers and streams from intensive agriculture, irrigation takes, water pollution, and hydro development. The Government needs to implement strong rules to protect the places we love so our children and grandchildren can swim in the local swimming holes,” said Ms Sage.
Time Line:
- Gather beside the river at the Te Teko Pub Car Park at 9.15 am.
- Drive up to the bottom of the Matahina dam.
- Starting at the bottom of the Matahina dam to paddle down the river 9:30am.
- Finish at the car park again two hours later.
- Cup of tea at the Te Teko War Memorial Hall (7 Te Teko Road, Te Teko) around 12.30 pm
- Public hui to hear Eugenie Sage and speakers Te Teko War Memorial Hall 2 pm
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