June 26, 2014
Tough conditions on Ruataniwha dam
The Board of Inquiry into the $230 million Ruataniwha Dam project in central Hawkes Bay says the relationship between Maori and the waters in the catchment was an important factor in its decision.
The board placed strict conditions on the consent, which may affect the financial viability of the dam.
It rejected the Hawke's Bay Regional Council’s single nutrient approach to monitoring, saying it must manage both phosphorous and nitrogen in the Tukituki catchment.
The council this week voted to invest up to $80 million in the scheme, which it is promoting through its investment company.
Potential partners including Ngai Tahu have backed away from what would be the country’s largest irrigation dam.
Ngati Kahungunu chair Ngahiwi Tomoana warned the council the economics of the dam were extremely dangerous, and there were more worthy projects the money could be spent on.
Copyright © 2014, UMA Broadcasting Ltd