New Zealand's rivers are under serious threat, with 149 rivers listed in a “fast track bill” proposed by the new government. If passed, government and energy companies will not have to consult public groups (such as Whitewater NZ) before changes are made to current and potential new hydro schemes around the country. Instead, the Ministers for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Conversation, and Crown Minerals assess the application and decide whether or not to refer a panel. The panel will seek comments from the application and directly affected groups before approving or declining the project. This bypasses the normal consenting process and precludes public hearings or opportunities for submissions, negating the consideration of public voices. Among the 149 listed rivers are the Wairoa (Tauranga), the Tekapo and Pukaki, the Ragitaiki, and…
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Kayak Session (Digital) - 1 Issue, Winter 2024