Crest Energy has denied allegations the company's proposed Kaipara Harbour tidal power station is solely for commercial gain.
The comments from Crest chairman John Maclachlan were issued in response to concerns raised at a public meeting in Dargaville in opposition to the company's tidal power station.
Mr Maclachlan was disappointed Crest wasnot invited to the meeting called by Kaipara iwi, Te Uri O Hau. "Crest's attendance would have provided an opportunity to reassure the community in the face of rumours and misinformation," he said.
The meeting denounced Kaipara council's lack of action and called for Mayor Neil Tiller to seek support from the council to assist with campaigning against the expected "signing off" this week by Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson.
Mr Maclachlan denied allegations, made at the meeting, of commercial gain. He said while "commercial reality dictates if the project isn't viable it won't proceed, the major consideration is the strategic significance of tidal power" to New Zealand.
He said the Auckland and Northland regions currently depended on power generation from outside the area and that hydro-generated supply was unreliable, particularly during dry conditions.
"Tidal power is a natural progression in our development of renewable energy sources. It is clean, silent, reliable and sustainable and has the potential to contribute significantly to New Zealand's power needs and economic benefits."
He said because tidal was a predictable supply, it would not be subject to price fluctuations and as a result "spot prices" would likely decrease.
"In simple terms this project will not proceed if adverse effects on the harbour and marine life are detected."
He argued the project had evolved following five years of intense research which focused on identifying and mitigating any potential effects on the harbour environment.
Mr Tiller said since the meeting he has approached Northland MP, John Carter, to ask the minister to delay the decision.