Hydro opponents say plan risks lives as well as fish

Lives could be put at risk and fish stocks threatened if a conservation order on the Buller River is lifted, say opponents of the move.

An application to amend the river's conservation order has attracted more than 130 submissions - 122 against the move.

Just five submissions supported the application and three were neutral.

Majac Trust, of which Talleys Fisheries director Michael Talley is a trustee, wants the order amended so it can apply for resource consent for a hydro-power scheme using water from the Gowan River, the main tributary of the Buller.

Fly fishermen, Gowan residents, kayakers, jetboaters, visitors, the Department of Conservation and environmental organisations are all opposed to the application.

Lake Rotoroa Lodge fishing guide Scott Murray said Majac Trust's proposal to shut down the turbines at times to allow the river to return to full flow - allowing rafting on the river - could put other users at risk, due to a lack of warning.

"There is going to be no way of knowing if a rafting group has asked for full flow of water to be restored while we are further down the river. We consider the chances of an accident highly likely and the possibility of death cannot be overlooked," Mr Murray said.

Trout fishermen were also worried that changes would ruin the untouched nature of the river, and damage valuable fish stocks.

Many argued that as the "largest remaining unmodified stretch of lake-fed river in the country" the Gowan should be left untouched.

Other opponents worried that changing the water conservation order would set a precedent.

Ashburton resident Edith Carolyn Smith said amending the order would place all other rivers protected under similar orders at risk.

The Department of Conservation said the Gowan was "an essential migratory pathway for eels and elvers" and should not be modified.

Three submissions from Nelson-Marlborough iwi objected to the lack of consultation with Maori as well as the scheme's possible environmental impact.

Grey Power Motueka's submission was among the five in support, saying the cost of power was a major concern to its 1500 members.

The tribunal considering the issue is to meet on Friday to discuss the date and setting for a hearing.

- NZPA