Tasman river scheme mooted

Tasman's Matakitaki River is the latest proposed hydro site for the upper South Island.

The proposal is one of four, along with the Matiri, the Mokihinui and the Wairau, entering or completing consent stage in the region.

Network Tasman has announced the proposed 30-megawatt Matakitaki hydro scheme as part of its renewable energy portfolio.

Chairman Ian Kearney said the Matakitaki could support wind and summer solar-power generation to produce a combined 70MW output that would supply about 20,000 homes.

The company has bought land in the upper Matakitaki and will appoint pre-feasibility study consultants for the hydro scheme, which could cost $100 million, in the next fortnight.

Top of the South Forest and Bird field officer Debs Martin said the practice of targeting rivers before undertaking ecology assessments prompted an alarmed reaction in the community.

Generation companies needed to identify values, the environmental impact and alternative locations before going to residents, she said.

"If Network Tasman is serious about renewable power generation, it needs to sit down with all the other players and ask if the region can sustain the environmental effects."

Martin supported Network Tasman's wind and solar initiatives but said greater opportunities existed in energy conservation, rather than targeting rivers.

Nelson-Marlborough Fish and Game manager Neil Deans said the Matakitaki was a regionally important fishery, and fish passage would have to be provided to its upper reaches.

Kearney said the company intended to consult residents.

"We have been criticised for not consulting with people, but up until now we have had little to consult on," he said.