Clutha River Guardian

2012-02-07T10:02:00.000+13:00

Strong Support For Riverside Trail
By Lynda Van Kempen, on Tuesday 7 February 2012
Otago Daily Times

There is a "hell of a lot" of support out there for the Roxburgh Gorge Trail, says trail trust chairman Stephen Jeffery.

Construction of the 34km trail, from Alexandra to the Roxburgh dam, began in November and Mr Jeffery was hopeful two sections of the trail would be finished by the end of this year.

He was disappointed the trail work had generated some negative publicity.

"Despite what you might think, the trail has a lot of backers. There's a hell of a lot of support for it, and there's a bit of a buzz in the [Teviot] valley now work's started on the trail."

The trust well knew of the concerns of trail opposers.

"We're doing what we can to address those concerns, as best we can, with the tools we have available to us, but at the end of the day, some things are beyond us to change."

Construction began on the first 10km, from Alexandra to Flat Top Hill, in November. Tendering for the 10km section from the Roxburgh dam towards Alexandra should be under way by the middle of this year, Mr Jeffery said.

"We're still pretty hopeful by the end of this year, those two sections will be completed."

Negotiations are still under way with two pastoral lessees in the middle section of the trail.

One family in that section had earlier refused access over their land and the trust said it would transport cyclists by boat past that section.

Mr Jeffery hoped the first section of the trail, roughly 1km, from Alexandra towards the gorge, would be completed soon and open for the public to view.

Last month, Bruce and Leigh Johnston set up a protest tent for a day, to block the path of the trail on the marginal strip in front of their property, about 1.5km from Alexandra, after concerns about the impact construction work was having on their land.

They removed the tent after entering further negotiations with the trust.

Mr Jeffery declined to comment on how talks were going with the Johnstons.

Approached for his comments, Mr Johnston said he and his wife were "working positively" with the trust.

"Talks between us and the trust are still at a crucial stage, regarding the trail width, alignment and stability. Until those are resolved, there's been an understanding with the trust and the contractor that no work will be carried out beside or on our property," Mr Johnston said.

The Roxburgh Gorge trail is one of the 18 which make up the New Zealand Cycle Trail project.

It will cost about $3.4 million and the Government has donated $2 million.

Mr Jeffery said the trust was, likethe Clutha Gold trust, seeking outside finance to cover the difference between the Government funding and the cost of the project.

"We've had preliminary talks with some other funders about the project."

There was no "pressure" on the trail trust to use all the Government funding by the middle of this year, he said.

"Two stages of our trail will have tenders let by then. The trust will be able to show we've met their requirements for those two sections to get it off the ground."

Lake Roxburgh businessman Phil Winterbottom said many residents and businesspeople were pleased work was under way on both the Clutha Gold and the Roxburgh Gorge trails.

"I'm sure they're something that, two or three years on, will make the [Teviot] valley a different place. Look what the [Otago Central] Rail Trail's done for the towns along its route. We're ready for that to happen and will embrace it. By next summer, we could have two cycle trails on our doorstep," he said.

The Roxburgh Gorge Trail will link to the Clutha Gold Trail.

They are expected to generate 70 jobs and $2.5 million annually within five years of completion.

Roxburgh Gorge Trail:
- 34km, from Alexandra to Roxburgh dam.
- $3.4 million to build, $2 million from Government
- Follows true right side of the Clutha.
- Work on first 10km under way.

'A Thrill' To See Sections Underway

2012-02-07T09:46:00.000+13:00

'A thrill' to see sections near completion
By Lynda Van Kempen, on Tuesday 7 February 2012
Otago Daily Times

The Government launched the New Zealand Cycle Trail project in 2009 and provided funding for 18 "Great Rides" around the country.

Five were in the lower half of the South Island and three of those - the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail, the Queenstown Trail and Around the Mountains Trail - already have sections open.

Central Otago reporter Lynda van Kempen checked on the progress of the other two southern Great Rides - the Roxburgh Gorge Trail and the Clutha Gold Trail.

It was a day Rod Peirce had been awaiting for five years.

The first day of construction on the Clutha Gold cycle trail was a milestone and a moment to be treasured, the chairman of the trail charitable trust said.

"It's hard to believe it's finally under way ... I've been waiting five years for this to happen," he said.

"After all the hard work and planning up until this point, it's a thrill to finally see progress on the ground."

The Roxburgh man is one of the driving forces behind the project. The trail, one of five in the lower South Island included in the New Zealand Cycle Trail project, extends from Roxburgh to Lawrence.

In recent weeks, work started on two sections of the 73km trail, a 9km section from the Roxburgh dam into Roxburgh and another 23km section from Roxburgh to the mouth of the Beaumont Gorge at Minzion Burn.

Construction started a fortnight ago on the 9km section which will link the Roxburgh dam to Roxburgh with a bridge at Butchers Creek and over the Teviot River and a roadside cycleway along the Roxburgh East road to the Roxburgh bridge.

All going to plan, the trail will be finished within 12 to 15 months, Mr Peirce said.

Each section would be "open for business" as soon as it is completed.

Two different contractors have won the tenders for the first two sections of trail and tenders are being called progressively for remaining sections.

"We'd do it all at once if it was possible but, logistically, we have to break it into stages to make it easier on those overseeing the project," trustee Graham Dillon, of Queenstown, said.

Finding the balance of the funding for the project is still a work in progress, but the trustees are confident of getting the money from "outside sources" and the trail being "stand-alone".

"That's something that all 18 in the national cycle trail have to be. We couldn't do this if it wasn't going to be stand-alone -we don't want to be claiming on the ratepayers, " Mr Dillon said.

Various sources of funding were being explored, including charitable trusts and business sponsors.

Trustees will attend a workshop in Wellington this month, aimed at giving cycle trail promoters ideas on marketing and how communities can capitalise on the asset.

Mr Peirce said the trust had agreement to easements over the private and public land the trail would cross.

The granting of resource consents for the Central Otago part of the trail was initially appealed to the Environment Court last year but was resolved after mediation between the parties.

Clutha Gold Trail:
- 73km from Roxburgh dam to Lawrence.
- $5.5 million to build, $3.8 million from Government.
- Follows true left of Clutha to Beaumont, then through farm valleys to Lawrence.
- Work on two sections under way.

Contact Undeterred By Hayes Decision

2012-01-24T10:02:00.000+13:00

Power companies undeterred by Project Hayes decision
By Lynda Van Kempen, on Tuesday 24 January 2012
Otago Daily Times

In the wake of the Project Hayes decision, it is business as usual for Contact Energy, weighing up options for hydro development on the Clutha River, and Pioneer Generation, looking at small-scale wind farms.

Meridian's decision to shelve its planned $2 billion wind farm on the Lammermoor Range in the Central Otago has had little impact at this stage on Contact and Pioneer's plans.

Contact Clutha hydro project manager Neil Gillespie said the hydro plans were "at a completely different stage to what Meridian was at when it pulled the plug.

They had a consented project.

"We have yet to narrow down the options and decide on a favoured option and we're quite some time away from even having to think about resource consents," Mr Gillespie said.

Contact has been investigating four main hydro options on the upper and lower Clutha, proposing dams at Tuapeka Mouth, Queensberry, Luggate and Beaumont costing between $300 million and $1.5 billion.

The schemes were mooted more than 20 years ago and originated from proposals by Contact's predecessor, the Electricity Corporation of New Zealand.

Ultimately, the Project Hayes decision would have an impact "when we're looking at starting to build, but we're nowhere near that stage", he said.

In the meantime, the company was consulting the community, and analysing options.

The community's views, technical and engineering studies and the effect on the environment were all factors which would be taken into consideration, Mr Gillespie said.

"Nothing's changed for us in what we're doing because of Meridian's decision."

Pioneer Generation chief executive Fraser Jonker said its plans for wind farms were on a vastly smaller scale than Meridian's.

The Environment Court decision in 2009, which cancelled resource consents for Project Hayes, saying the wind farm was inappropriate in an outstanding natural landscape, had influenced the type of wind farm proposals Pioneer had been investigating.

"We would never attempt to place a wind farm in that type of a landscape because it would be too much of hurdle to get it consented. "The projects we have under more investigation at the moment have taken that sort of landscape into consideration," Mr Jonker said.

Pioneer was still talking to several Otago and Southland farmers about the possibility of constructing small-scale wind farms on rural properties, along similar lines to its nine-turbine Mt Stuart wind farm in South Otago.

Contact Vies For More Time

2012-01-06T11:40:00.000+13:00

Contact vies for more time to establish hydro scheme
By Lucy Ibbotson, on Friday 6 January 2012
Otago Daily Times

Contact Energy has asked for more time to establish a hydroelectric scheme at Lake Hawea, citing the global economic downturn and seasonal construction constraints as reasons for the delay in exercising the project's original consent.

Contact has proposed the construction and operation of a small-scale hydro-generation facility in the outfall control structure of the existing Lake Hawea dam.

It secured an original land use consent from the Queenstown Lakes District Council in 2007 for the 17.2MW Hawea Gates Generation Project, due to lapse on February 7.

Contact also holds associated consents granted by the Otago Regional Council with expiry periods of 10 and 15 years, lapsing on various dates in 2017 and 2022. It wants to extend the expiry date of the QLDC consent another five years, to July 16, 2017, to coincide with the regional council consents.

Contact hydro-development project manager Neil Gillespie said, while Contact was "continuing to progress, giving effect to the consent", it was not possible to complete the final design and construction of the project within the current QLDC consent period.

The extension application said a combination of "technical, practical and economic constraints" were behind the delay.

The project was not straightforward as it involved "retrofitting a modern tailor-made generation plant to existing infrastructure", making the economic risks of project high, the application stated.

A final investment decision could not be made by the current lapse date, a situation "exacerbated by the global economic downturn and associated slower-than-anticipated growth in electricity demand since 2008".

Also, because initial construction work had to be performed "in-river", the project was limited by the ORC consents and seasonal constraints, which had contributed to its extended duration.

The project requires modifying the Hawea dam structure, on Contact-owned land, by constructing twin powerhouses; installing a generation plant; altering the intake structure; installing penstocks through the existing sluices; strengthening some existing works; and carrying out earthworks and upgrades to access roads.

Mr Gillespie said the extension would help achieve the objectives of the QLDC district plan and was an efficient and sustainable use of the resources.

"It's a great little project, renewable, small scale, and makes the most of an untapped resource, the water already being spilled through the dam.

"Importantly, the development involves no long-term changes to the river environment."

It would take up to 36 months to complete the final design and construction, and the expected timeframe to complete all work is no later than 2017, in line with the current ORC consents.

Contact was "still working through [geotechnical] information" on the four other Clutha River locations identified as options for hydroelectric dams - Luggate, Queensberry, Beaumont and Tuapeka Mouth - Mr Gillespie said.

Terrain Challenges, But Trust Upbeat

2011-12-03T09:46:00.001+13:00

Terrain presents challenges, but trail trust upbeat
By Sarah Marquet ,on Saturday 3 December 2011
Otago Daily Times

As construction on the first 10km of the 34km Roxburgh Gorge cycle trail from Alexandra to the Roxburgh hydro dam steadily progresses, members of the trail trust invite media on an expedition down the river to check out the trail route, the terrain, the history and the progress. Otago Daily Times journalist Sarah Marquet goes along for the ride.

As we meander down the Clutha River in a boat owned by Barrie Wills, of the Roxburgh Gorge cycle trail trust, it is easy to see why the trust chose the true right of the river on which to construct the trail.

This side is green, grassy and covered in thyme and brilliant yellow lupins.

It would be pretty to cycle through while looking across to the left at the magnificent rock bluffs towering above the water, which are interspersed with steep, deep green hills studded with rocks and schist outcrops.

The original plan was to build the trail down the true left of the river, but although there is already a walking track there, no landowner would consent.

When the trail feasibility study was done, all landowners on the true right of the river signed in-principle agreements.

This, access to the road and historical areas and greater commercial opportunities led the trail trust to believe the true right would be a "greater rider experience".

Our first stop along the river was at "four huts".

These naturally formed stone huts were home to miners of the 19th century and of the Depression; and previously possibly to Maori.

As Mr Wills nosed his boat in to shore, a challenging terrain was revealed.

We clambered off the boat and although the men beat a path through the lupin, gorse, briar and generally thorny thicket, it was a steep, rugged and difficult climb.

The crushed lupin and thyme delivered a delicious scent.

With the sun beating on our backs, we reached the promised huts.

There was evidence throughout these of occupants.

There were stacked stone walls, fireplaces and chimneys; and wire embedded in the rock face.

It is hard to imagine anyone living in these cramped quarters in this incredible terrain.

However, it gives a valuable historical insight and appreciation.

An archaeological assessment of the first 10km of the gorge was conducted by Southern Pacific Archaeological Research as a requirement of resource consents for the trial.

It identified 31 archaeological sites along the first 10km of the right side of the river.

Several artefacts identified during this process were recently removed by Department of Conservation staff and are now in Alexandra's Central Stories Museum.

However, we did discover a piece of textile tucked away at the back of a hut downstream of Davis Bend, just before Doctors Point.

Matt Schmidt, regional archaeologist with the New Zealand Historic Places Trust, said it was likely the textile would also be removed.

Two areas I was eager to inspect on this trip were Bruce and Leigh Johnston's new boundary and an area of unstable rock that looks like a slip at the Narrows.

The Johnstons recently commissioned a formal survey of their boundary.

As a result the trust had to move the trail route further towards the river.

Although the trust is confident it can build there, the terrain is steep and rocky.

The area known as the Narrows, near Butchers Creek, was described in the trail feasibility study as "the most unstable section" of the gorge.

Previously, Mr Dennis said they were relying on information from Contact Energy, whose geologists were "very familiar with the area".

Mr Wills described the Narrows as "a pretty ancient relic going back several thousands of years" that moves slowly "but is only measured in millimetres".

It was obvious, from our wanderings and observations from the boat, that there would be some challenging terrain to negotiate.

Parts of the gorge are rocky, rugged and steep with large rock bluffs, as well as the slip.

However, the trail trust is confident the trail can be built as proposed.

"It's all doable, or we wouldn't have roads," trail trust chairman Stephen Jeffery said.

CDC Hosting Trail Forum

2011-11-18T09:34:00.001+13:00

CDC hosting trail forum
By Helena de Reus, on Friday 18 November 2011
Otago Daily Times

With construction of the Clutha Gold Trail between Lake Roxburgh village and Lawrence expected to begin this month, a forum has been organised to promote ideas around the trail and how it will benefit communities.

The forum, hosted by the Clutha District Council, will be held in Lawrence on Tuesday to help generate ideas and identify opportunities for the local community arising from the Clutha Gold Trail.

All consents are in place for the 73km cycle trail, which will follow the Clutha River from Roxburgh to Lawrence.

Clutha Gold trustee Graham Dillon said construction would begin at the Roxburgh end in the next few weeks.

CDC development manager Jill Borland said, with construction on the trail due to start soon, the council wanted a forum to help create ideas and identify opportunities for the local community arising from the Clutha Gold Trail.

The public "Trail Opportunities Forum" aimed to identify those with an interest in the trail development and establish a mode of communication. She hoped it would also identify community resources, skills and interests to maximise "potential trail-related opportunities".

The council's role in the forum would be to facilitate discussions among local community members, Ms Borland said.

"We want to work with the Central Otago District Council and the community to promote the trail as a whole and to identify skills in both districts."

The Lawrence-Tuapeka Community Board briefly discussed the forum on Wednesday, and encouraged members to attend.

A tourism workshop hosted by Central Otago District Council will be held in Millers Flat on November 28.

The workshop is aimed at present and future tourism operators across the Teviot Valley and into Lawrence, and will include information on characteristics of the cycling market, lessons learned from the Otago Central Rail Trail, collective marketing and opportunities created by the Clutha Gold Trail.

Roxburgh Gorge Trail Gets Green Light

2011-11-01T08:59:00.000+13:00

Troubled trail gets green light
By Sarah Marquet, on Tuesday 1 November 2011
Otago Daily Times

The only thing left in the way of the first 10km of the controversial 34km Roxburgh Gorge cycle trail is the contractor's diary - the trail trust received the final sign-off from Land Information New Zealand (Linz) late last week.

Trust chairman Stephen Jeffery said technically that meant construction could start straight away, but the trust still had to meet successful tenderers John Sutton Contracting to discuss a start date. He expected to do so over the next couple of days.

John Sutton told the Otago Daily Times yesterday he did not have a start date in mind.

Mr Jeffery said a section in that first 10km, bordering Bruce and Leigh Johnston's property, was still a "bit rocky". The trust opted to use the marginal strip along that section but the exact whereabouts of the strip is being challenged by the Johnstons.

Initially they agreed to work with the trail trust but they have since issued the trust and the contractors with a trespass notice.

They declined to comment but the ODT understands they intend to commission a formal survey of their property boundary.

Mr Jeffery said by using old maps and GPS, the trust had pinpointed the marginal strip.

The budget for the trail is around $3.4 million. A grant of $2 million has been made by the New Zealand Cycle Trail project and the rest is expected to come from community funders.

Concern about the trail has been raised by other Central Otago residents, including Otago Central Rail Trail chairwoman Daphne Hull. She and others had spoken of concern for the environment and the visual impact of the trail.

Mr Jeffery said the trail's impact would be more pronounced initially "but over time it will blend in".

The New Zealand Cycle Trail organisation had suggested the trust look at replanting the area.

Mrs Hull said her concerns were eased by the news the trail trust had systems in place to deal with the lasting visual aspect and if done well it would be "a lovely add-on to the Otago Central Rail Trail and great for Roxburgh."

Mr Toyer also raised concerns about historical sites in the gorge and how they would be protected.

Historical points of interest identified along the trail route are the stone bridge piers at Alexandra, a stone wall in Old Bridge Road and Herron's Cottage in the Roxburgh Gorge. The Flat Top Hill conservation area contains significant and native plants.

The trail trust had had an archaeological assessment done and would continue to work with the New Zealand Historic Places Trust and the Department of Conservation to avoid any adverse effects on those sites, as required by the resource consent.

This first section of the trail, from Alexandra to Flat Top Hill, is the only part of the trail secured so far but Mr Jeffery said it was close to securing the rest of the trail route to the Roxburgh dam.

They were talking to two major pastoral leaseholders, the next two landowners after Flat Top Hill, and trying to work some compensation into their tenure reviews for the land the trail would cover.

However, there was still an issue surrounding the Miller Family's farm at Shingle Creek, as the Millers had said the trail would not cross their land.

At this stage, the proposal was to transport cyclists by boat to a point further down the river, bypassing the Millers' property.

Mr Jeffery said this was not necessarily a bad thing, as it would provide this trail with a point of difference.

The rest of the trail, from Shingle Creek to the Roxburgh dam, was looking "favourable".

Once the trail has been completed, it will be the trail trust's responsibility to maintain it and raise the funds for the maintenance.

The Roxburgh Gorge trail will eventually link up with the Clutha Gold Trail, which will take cyclists from Lake Roxburgh and Lawrence.

Although a separate track, the Clutha Gold trail also received funding from the New Zealand Cycle Trail project and its construction is expected to begin soon.

Dam Plans At Engineering Stage

2011-10-29T09:09:00.002+13:00

Dam plans at engineering design stage: Contact
By Matthew Haggart, on Saturday 29 October 2011
Otago Daily Times

Neil GillespieEngineering design plans for hydro-electric dams on the Clutha River are being drawn up as Contact Energy considers the options for its power generation schemes.

The power generation company carried out a ground-drilling project near Luggate earlier this year to complete a round of geotechnical investigations at the four locations identified as options for hydro-electric dams.

Contact Energy hydro projects manager Neil Gillespie reiterated there was no preferred site for a possible hydro-electric scheme.

The completion of geotechnical investigations meant Contact was now at a stage of "engineering and design" for the potential hydro dam structures - alongside its ongoing consultation with affected communities, he said.

"Now that we have all the [geotechnical] information, we'll use that to look at what kind of dam might be built and what it might look like," he said.

Engineering designs would also give an indication of what costs might be involved, he said.

"The big thing for us to understand is the engineering and environmental costs. This also gives a feel for the economics, which in turn enables comparisons of whether it is viable to construct and when."

A definitive timeframe for when any engineering design plans might be completed to be put forward for community consultation remained "somewhere in the near future", Mr Gillespie said.

"Realistically, we hope to have it completed by some stage next year ... This is open to change."

In 2009, Contact dusted off decades-old plans for Clutha River hydro-electric schemes, deciding to revisit options for potential dams at Luggate, Queensberry, Beaumont and Tuapeka Mouth.

The company has spent the past two years investigating its options at the four potential dam sites and consulting communities, amid opposition from Clutha River protectionist groups.

Mr Gillespie said there was "not a huge team" working on the project.

An "in-house" team of three people was involved with an overview of the project, while external consultants were contracted "as required".

"My focus and the most important part of this project is picking up on the community side of feedback to ensure we can understand those views," he said.

An engineering and design perspective was about assessing the merits of the four options. He declined to specify what ground conditions the geotechnical investigation at Luggate had revealed and whether these were similar to those at other sites.

There were geotechnical "commonalities" at all four sites, which enabled the design team to work "across the options" at each respective location, given the signalled engineering plans for the different hydro dam schemes.

New Bridge Uncertainty

2011-10-29T09:06:00.002+13:00

New bridge uncertainty
By Matthew Haggart, on Saturday 29 October 2011
Otago Daily Times

Beaumont Bridge. Photo by Craig Baxter. Extending the life of the 123-year-old Beaumont Bridge across the Clutha River is expected to cost upwards of $590,000 during the next five years.

The New Zealand Transport Agency is prepared to pay at least this sum while it deliberates what it might cost to design and build a new structure.

A decision on replacing the bridge may be on the backburner because a hydro dam could be built downstream from Beaumont, flooding the Beaumont Valley.

Contact Energy hydro projects manager Neil Gillespie said the company had not been in consultation with the NZTA about any future structure which might replace the Beaumont Bridge.

If Contact built a dam at Tuapeka Mouth, it could affect the bridge site and State Highway 8 through the area.

Mr Gillespie said Contact had always acknowledged it would have to provide mitigation measures, once a decision was made about the future of any possible hydro scheme.

Over the past five years, about $1.29 million has been spent by the NZTA as it tries to extend the life of the run-down, ageing structure.

The SH8 bridge has been back in the headlines after the NZTA recently denied the structure was unsafe after Waitaki deputy mayor Jim Hopkins questioned whether several safety features were put in place to stop it collapsing.

NZTA southern region director Jim Harland told members of the Otago Regional Council's (ORC) transport committee the bridge was not in danger of falling down.

It was preferable to replace the bridge and the NZTA was still considering its options about when that might happen, Mr Harland said.

NZTA Otago-Southland operations manager Roger Bailey said forecast expenditure to maintain the bridge might vary.

About $28,000 is forecast to be spent each year to maintain scaffolding on the bridge, set up to carry out regular monitoring, structural inspections, testing and minor routine repairs.

About $60,000 is to be spent every year to maintain and repair "surface running boards" on the structure, "which tend to loosen, wear out and crack", Mr Bailey said.

The NZTA also incurred costs of about $30,000 a year in consultants' fees to monitor the maintenance programme, he said.

"If our monitoring identifies any unforeseen structural problems, there would be additional costs that we cannot predict," Mr Bailey said.

NZTA transport planning manager Ian Duncan said it remained cost-effective to continue to maintain the bridge during the next five years.

If any new bridge built was affected by Contact's plans, then the power generator would have to "come to the party", he told ORC transport committee members.

Trail Work May Start Next Week

2011-09-29T10:04:00.002+13:00

Trail work may start next week
By Sarah Marquet, on Thursday 29 September 2011
Otago Daily Times

Roxburgh Gorge Trail Trust deputy chairwoman and Vincent Community Board chairwoman Clair Higginson stands at the spot in Alexandra where the Roxburgh Gorge trail will start. Photo by Sarah Marquet. Construction of the first stage of the controversial $3.3 million Roxburgh Gorge cycle trail could begin next week as the trail trust irons out paperwork to get the final approval from Land Information New Zealand (Linz).

The trust this week received a letter from Linz which gave the all clear, but it contained a few conditions, trust chairman Stephen Jeffery said.

"They are technical issues that need to be addressed and included in the agreement, then [we can] get the sign-off ... mostly minor legal things."

He said the new wording will be incorporated into the agreement and sent back to Linz to be signed off which should take "about a week".

Work could then begin immediately on the first 10km of the 34km trail from Alexandra to Flat Top Hill, on a mix of marginal strip and Department of Conservation land.

Tenders have already been let and a contractor was ready to start, with the work expected to take six months to complete.

The rest of the trail, to the Roxburgh dam, was reliant on negotiating land access.

"We are still negotiating with land owners over the rest of the trail but we are making steady progress," Mr Jeffery said.

Since its conception, there had been strong opposition to the trail from landowners along its path, with concern mostly over the negative impact it could have on the land.

Devon Miller, whose family farms at Shingle Creek, has aired issues, including the overall viability of the trail, insurance liabilities and people wandering off the track.

Because the trust failed to get easement agreements from some landowners, it opted to use the marginal strip where possible.

A recent survey of the Otago Central Rail Trail found it generated more than $12 million annually for the local economy, which is something the Roxburgh Gorge Trail Trust hopes its trail can do just as well for its local area's economy.

"To grow the economy we need more people and targeting tourists ... and the trail is the most obvious way to do that," said trail trust member and Alexandra businessman, Russell Ibbotson.
(Editorial note from Clutha River Guardian: The river-length trail was envisioned to better enable local communities to benefit from their river asset, economically and in every way, and to enable them to better care for that asset.)

The Roxburgh trail would also link with the proposed Clutha Gold Trail.

That trail would stretch 73km from Roxburgh to Lawrence.

Both the Clutha Gold and the Roxburgh Gorge trails received funding from the Government under Nga Haerenga, the New Zealand Cycle Trail project.

A $2 million funding grant for the Roxburgh Gorge Trail was approved in September last year. The trail trust needs to raise the remaining $1.3 million.

Further Step Towards Clutha Gold Trail

2011-08-12T10:16:00.001+12:00

Further step taken towards Clutha Gold track
By Helena de Reus, on Friday 12 August 2011
Otago Daily Times

The Clutha District Council yesterday at its meeting appointed a commissioner to examine consent applications for the proposed Clutha Gold walking and cycling track between the Roxburgh dam and Lawrence.

The Clutha Gold Trail Charitable Trust last month applied to the Clutha District Council for a land use consent for the 20km section between Beaumont and Lawrence for which the council has jurisdiction.

Planning and environment manager Murray Brass said the council had asked Dunedin City councillor Colin Weatherall to be an independent commissioner, because the trust had asked for a non-notified consent. The council supported the proposal, so an independent commissioner was needed to decide whether to grant the consent.

However, Mr Weatherall would have to confirm a non-notified consent upon his return from the United Kingdom in a few weeks.

"It'll be nice to see everything under way, but this is only another step. There are plenty more to go," trust chairman Rod Peirce said The trust hoped to work on the trail in sections, joining them together later, he said.

The section of trail would begin at the Millenium Track, at the southern end of the Beaumont Bridge and take riders and walkers to Lawrence township.

Construction of the trail was expected to begin in the next two months, after the resolution of an appeal from the Society for the Promotion of an Alternative Route about some aspects of the trail.

In March, independent commissioner Denis Nugent, of Wanaka, granted land use consent to the trust for structures associated with the construction, operation and maintenance of a walking and cycling track.

The consent was subject to 48 conditions and applied only to the section within the Central Otago district, from the dam to Beaumont, where the trail would follow the true left bank (east) of the Clutha River.

The appeal has resulted in extra conditions being imposed about surveying in front of some properties, but the society had been unsuccessful in trying to get part of the trail realigned, the society's lawyer, Annabel Ritchie, said.

Mr Peirce said the trust was pleased by the decision because it had "only had one option - along the river", for the trail.

Work Starts on Hawea Kayak Park

2011-06-20T12:19:00.002+12:00

Work starts on Hawea kayak park
By Lucy Ibbotson, on Monday 20 June 2011
Otago Daily Times

After dozens of different designs and site evaluations, 14 consent approvals and nearly 10 years of planning, Central Otago whitewater enthusiasts' dream of a "whitewater play park" on the Hawea River is about to become reality.

Preparation work began recently at the site of the park in the river next to the Camp Hill Rd Bridge, at Hawea Flat. The project has been a long-held vision of Central Otago Whitewater Club stalwarts Roy Bailey and Gordon Rayner.

The park will cost more than $500,000 to build and will be funded by Contact Energy as a mitigation measure agreed upon by Contact and the club as part of Contact's suite of resource consents for the Clutha catchment, applied for in 2001.

Mr Bailey said the park would have two large weir structures to restrict the flow of the river and create "play waves" for kayakers. Rock for the river enhancements will be transported during the next fortnight from the building site for the National Transport and Toy Museum's new exhibition hangar, at Wanaka Airport.

Fulton Hogan is working on site, levelling an area for the rock to be stored and creating a car park. The river enhancements will be added between February and June next year. The park has been designed by top whitewater park designer Scott Shipley, of the United States.

During the years since the idea was first mooted, consents from the district and regional councils, Department of Conservation and other organisations had been needed, along with considerable consultation with the kayaking community and analysis of overseas whitewater play park designs. But the work and the nearly decade-long wait would be worth it, Mr Bailey said.

"For us, it will be great. We've got somewhere to go where we know there's going to be a wave working the whole time that we can play on and it will be really great for the development of the sport."

Contact Energy engineer Denis McEntyre said there would be minimal disruption to users of the Hawea River Track.

Luggate Walking Track Opening

2011-05-27T10:11:00.004+12:00

Walking track to open this Sunday
By Marjorie Cook, on Friday 27th May 2011
Otago Daily Times

The Upper Clutha Tracks Trust project has been done in consultation with the Luggate Community Association, Department of Conservation, Wanaka Community Board, Contact Energy and other groups.

New Luggate Creek Track Bridge

It is an extension of the Upper Clutha Track that begins at Albert Town.

Walkers and cyclists can now travel below the Luggate Red Bridge to the Nook, across a new bridge over the Luggate Creek and up to Luggate township, finishing a short distance from the Luggate Hotel.

"It's now truly pub to pub," trustee John Wellington said of the trust's trail network, which also includes Wanaka, Albert Town, Cardrona and Lake Hawea.

With Luggate now on the trail, just Hawea Flat and Makarora are out of the loop.

But the trustees said they were trying to think of ways to eventually link those townships to the network, plus extend the Luggate track down to the Queenstown Lakes District Council boundary at Queensberry.

Mr Wellington said the idea for the Luggate Creek extension was formed before the Upper Clutha Track between Albert Town and the Luggate Red Bridge had been completed.

Initially, the trust had wanted to cross the bridge and continue the track downstream on the Tarras side of the Clutha River.

That changed when the trust and association met to discuss access to the Nook, a whirlpool in a bend in the Clutha River.

Devil's Nook from Luggate Creek Track

Central Otago track advocates are also working on trails with the goal of a track all the way to Cromwell, Mr Wellington said.

Another Upper Clutha Tracks Trust concept is to complete a loop back from the Luggate Red Bridge to Albert Town on the true left of the Clutha River.

Mr Wellington said the trust was in the very early stages of developing that proposal and had to first negotiate with landowners, including Contact Energy.

"There is public land all the way up but we will have to also talk to neighbours," Mr Wellington said.

The Luggate Creek Track has cost about $100,000 to build so far, with the Department of Conservation and contractor John Sutton contracted to do parts of it.

That is not a final figure because the extension below the Nook has not been completed.

There is a new bridge across the Luggate Creek near the Nook.

The opening of the track will be celebrated at 10am on Sunday. Signposts explaining how to get to the track will be put on State Highway 6 at Luggate.

Drilling For Dam Bedrock At Luggate

2011-05-06T08:27:00.001+12:00

Down-to-earth approach does it
By Marjorie Cook, on Friday 6 May 2011
Otago Daily Times

A McNeill Drilling rig began working above the Clutha River near the Luggate Red Bridge yesterday, as Contact Energy investigates whether geological conditions are suitable for the construction of a hydro-electricity dam on the Clutha River near the Nook.

The drilling company expects to be in the area for three to four weeks. Test sites are on both sides of the river.

Contact Energy's other possible Clutha River hydro dam options are at Queensberry, Beaumont and Tuapeka Mouth, which are at more advanced stages of geotechnical investigation. Contact Energy has not determined which of the four sites is its preferred development option.

Tarras Irrigation Gets $180k Boost

2011-05-05T10:04:00.001+12:00

Tarras irrigation gets $180k boost
By Mark Hotton, on Thursday 5th May 2011
The Southaland Times

A share offer has raised about $180,000 to pay for the final design stages of a multimillion-dollar irrigation scheme for Tarras that is expected to bring significant economic benefit to the district.

The community project plans to pump water from the Clutha River to the area and irrigate about 8000ha of farm land, with economic benefits of about $56 million annually and more than 100 jobs forecast.

The offer of 7630 shares, each $34, closed this year.

Tarras Water director Peter Jolly said about 70 per cent of the shares had been taken up, and negotiations were under way with a third party interested in the rest. A decision was also expected soon on an application lodged with the Community Irrigation Fund.

While they could proceed to the design stage without the additional 30 per cent being taken up, securing that and money from the fund would give them extra grunt to do more preliminary work, Mr Jolly said.

"That would give us a good pot to get more detailed engineering and survey work done, put the whole thing out to tender, and come up with a cost for building the scheme."

The more investigative work that could be carried out in regards to geo-technical and engineering detail before they went to tender, the fewer variables there would be when they came back with a price, Mr Jolly said.

That would give shareholders a clear idea on how much the scheme would cost. A second share offer would be needed to raise funds for the construction, estimated to be about $36 million.

"It's all looking very positive. We're very lucky that the community support has been outstanding, including the councils, Fish and Game and DOC. It has been a big community effort," he said.

"We're not doing this for ourselves, we're doing it for future generations. If we can leave a legacy for future generations and make Tarras a vibrant place again, to me we will have achieved something."

Resource consent for the scheme was granted in January 2010, with a five-year window to activate the water permit. The plan is to deliver water in spring 2013, via an underground network, to farms for irrigation, communal domestic use, stock water and firefighting needs.

Contact Seeks Clutha Hydro Cash

2011-04-29T09:44:00.001+12:00

Contact seeks Clutha hydro cash
By Che Baker, on Friday 29th April 2011
The Southland Times

Contact Energy has announced it is trying to raise $350 million dollars for future projects, including a hydro dam on the Clutha River, if any of the four sites it is examining are viable.

In a statement released yesterday, the company said it would be offering New Zealand and Australian shareholders the chance to buy discounted shares at $5.05 per share, 13.8 per cent lower than the market price, in an attempt to raise the funds.

Contact Group communications manager Janet Carson said the funds could be used to seek a consent for a hydro dam along the Clutha River if a suitable site were found.

The four sites being examined were at Luggate, Queensberry, Beaumont and Tuapeka Mouth.

A geological report for the Luggate site, the last site to be examined, was due to be completed next month.

Contact Energy Chief Executive Dennis Barnes said the company's strategy for growth was focused on developing a range of generation options, including geothermal, gas, wind and hydro, and constructing selected projects at the right time.

The offer closes on June 1.

Investigative Drilling Delayed

2011-04-27T09:19:00.002+12:00

Investigative drilling delayed
Wednesday, 27 April 2011
Otago Dailt Times

The start of a drilling project to investigate whether ground near Luggate is capable of supporting a hydro-electric dam on the Clutha River has been rescheduled.

Contact Energy is carrying out the investigative drilling as part of four options being considered for possible hydro-electric schemes on the Clutha River.

A drilling rig had been scheduled to move in yesterday.

Contact's Clutha hydro project manager Neil Gillespie said a "moving target" for the commencement of the drilling project had changed.

The drilling rig contractor has been held up at another site in Central Otago and would start near Luggate once its commitments were completed elsewhere, he said.

An access road has been cleared for the drilling rig, which will work at a site upstream from the distinctive switchback river feature known as the Devil's Nook.

The geotechnical investigation and drilling programme near Luggate does not indicate the site is a preferred option for Contact to build a dam there, Mr Gillespie said.

Other possible Clutha River hydro dam options at Queensberry, Beaumont, and Tuapeka Mouth are at more advanced stages of geotechnical investigation, Mr Gillespie has said.

Hunt On For More Dams On Clutha

2011-04-13T10:03:00.005+12:00

Hunt on for more dams on Clutha
By Che Baker, on Wednesday 13 April 2011
The Southland Times

Contact Energy has started geotechnical investigations for an 86-megawatt hydro dam on the Clutha River at Luggate, a project that has been slammed by environmental groups.

Project manager Neil Gillespie said Contact Energy was investigating a possible site at "The Nook", 2km downstream from the Luggate bridge where the Luggate Creek meets the Clutha River.

Devil's Nook, proposed dam site

Digging work had been completed and, after Easter, a drilling rig was expected to be on site to drill bore holes and take geological samples of the area.

Geologists would prepare a report on the site, where a low height, 25m-tall dam was proposed, that would be presented to Contact.

If built, the dam would create a 350-hectare lake that would extend 15km up the Clutha Valley to near Albert Town.

It was estimated the power station, likely to be remotely controlled from Contact Energy's Clyde control centre, would have a capacity of 86MW and capable of generating about 500 GWh of electricity a year. It was expected to take four years to build.

Luggate was one of four possible options Contact was considering for hydro development on the Clutha River.

Geological data had been collected in "much greater detail" at the three other sites at Queensberry, Beaumont and Tuapeka Mouth but "no decision had yet to be made on a preferred development option", Mr Gillespie said.

The data gathered would give Contact a greater insight and understanding on the design and construction requirements at the site and would contribute to the overall assessment of future hydro options along the river, he said.

It was a "complex task" to build a dam and many factors including economic, community and environment costs would need to be considered in each scheme before a decision could be made, he said.

"We want to gain a comparable level of information for all four possible future options.".

The geological report was due to be completed next month.

Contact Energy started meeting Central Otago leaders in 2008 to gauge support for hydro plans after it announced it was looking at several "historic options" on the upper and lower Clutha at Queensberry and Luggate, and Tuapeka and Beaumont.

Yesterday, Lewis Verduyn, chairman of the Clutha River Forum, an alliance of environmental groups opposed to further dams on the river, said the proposal was "too destructive, too backward thinking, and too problematic".

The dam would be sited on top of "the most noticed feature" of the Upper Clutha, the Devil's Nook switchback, which was one of the rarest river features in the world.

Mr Verduyn said New Zealand had no place for more large dams as they could not provide a sustainable, reliable and expandable energy solution and other options, such as Cook Strait marine power, needed to be looked into.

FOUR HYDRO OPTIONS
Hydro options investigated by Contact Energy along the Clutha River:

Luggate
Type: Dam
Construction: Four years
Capacity: 86MW (megawatts)
Annual output: 500GWh (gigawatt hours)
Dam height above ground: 25m
Dam length at crest: 820m
Reservoir lake area: 350ha Number of turbines: 3

Queensberry
Type: Dam and canal
Construction: Four to five years
Capacity: 160MW
Annual output: 850GWh
Dam height above ground: 14m
Dam length at crest: 880m
Reservoir lake area: 240ha
Number of turbines: 2 + 1

Beaumont
Type: Dam
Construction: Four to five years
Capacity: 185MW
Annual output: 1070GWh
Dam height above ground: 30m
Dam length at crest: 350m
Reservoir lake area: 1100ha
Number of turbines: 4

Tuapeka Mouth
Type: Dam
Construction: Five years
Capacity: 350MW
Annual output: 1950GWh
Dam height above ground: 50m
Dam length at crest: 520m
Reservoir lake area: 3200ha
Number of turbines: 4

Drilling At Luggate Site

2011-04-13T09:39:00.008+12:00

Drilling at Luggate site
By Matthew Haggart, on Wednesday 13 April 2011
Otago Daily Times

Contact Energy is undertaking a drilling project near Luggate to investigate whether geological conditions are suitable for the construction of a hydro-electric dam on the Clutha River.

Upper Clutha River and Reko's Point Conservation Area,
threatened by Luggate dam

Contact Clutha hydro project manager Neil Gillespie, of Cromwell, said the geotechnical investigation and drilling programme did not indicate Luggate was the preferred option.

"The purpose is to gain more information on the geological conditions there. Currently, we have much greater detail on ... conditions at the other three possible sites [Queensberry, Beaumont and Tuapeka Mouth] than we do at Luggate and we want to gain a comparable level of information for all four possible future options," he said.

In 2009, Contact dusted off decades-old plans for Clutha River hydro-electric schemes, deciding to revisit options for the four potential dams.

The company has spent the past two years investigating the options at the four potential sites and consulting communities, amid opposition from Clutha River protectionist groups.

Mr Gillespie said a drilling rig was scheduled to begin exploratory testing to a depth of up to 30m at a site about 2km below the Luggate Red Bridge.

Upper Clutha River Guardians president Tim Ryan, of Wanaka, questioned the need for further investigation at Luggate when Contact had resource consent to install hydro-electric turbine generators at Lake Hawea.

"It is of major concern to us. Why aren't we seeing anything being built at [Lake] Hawea? Why do they have to go and investigate an area where a dam would destroy the whole valley back to Albert Town?" he said.

Mr Gillespie said there was still no expected time-frame for work to begin on installing turbine generators at Contact's Lake Hawea storage gates that would be capable of providing 17MW of electricity.

"Detailed" design plans were "yet to be completed", which would provide an outline for when construction might start.

However, Mr Gillespie did not know when those design plans for the consented turbine generators might be completed.

Clutha Matau-Au River Parkway Group chairman Lewis Verduyn, of Wanaka, said the Luggate dam proposal, "like all of Contact's old plans for large dams on the Clutha, is too destructive, too backward-thinking and too problematic".

Drilling was being carried out at the site to see if there was suitable bedrock capable of supporting large-scale foundations.

"They are doing their homework to further investigate costs associated with building dams. If there is no bedrock there, they may not be able to proceed because it could prove too costly," he said.

He also questioned the need for a dam, which, at nearly 1km wide, would have a profile across the Upper Clutha Valley "larger than the Clyde dam" and yet would generate only 86MW.

Mr Gillespie had consulted the River Parkway Group about its "geotechnical investigations" but "nothing I have learned about [their options] has made me feel better about the project", Mr Verduyn said.

Contact has already carried out preliminary digging at the drilling site, which is near where the Luggate Creek enters the Clutha River at the popular scenic area known as the Devil's Nook.

Mr Gillespie said pits about 4m deep had been excavated to check ground conditions before the holes were refilled.

The drilling-rig crew was expected to begin work after Easter, putting down six drill holes to depths of 10m-30m, during a projected three-week operation.

An ensuing geotechnical report about the potential site would be considered and would enable a clearer picture of possible costs of building a dam, he said.

The four sites:

Luggate: 25m-high embankment dam, located about 2km downstream of Luggate Red Bridge, creating 350ha lake extending 15km to near Albert Town.

Queensberry: 14m-high embankment dam to feed into either a 12km or 9.5km-long canal to down-river powerhouse, creating 240ha lake extending 9km up river to near Luggate.

Beaumont: 30m-high concrete gravity dam located about 2km from Beaumont township, creating 1100ha lake extending 29km upstream from dam.

Tuapeka Mouth: 50m-high concrete dam located about 2km upstream from Tuapeka Mouth, creating 3200ha lake extending 55km upstream to Millers Flat and flooding Beaumont township.

Commissioner 'Erred' Over Consent

2011-04-09T09:19:00.001+12:00

Commissioner 'erred' over consent
By Colin Williscroft, on Saturday 9 April 2011
Otago Daily Times

Independent commissioner Denis Nugent "erred in law" over a range of issues when he granted resource consent for aspects of the proposed Clutha Gold cycle trail, an appeal against his decision says.

The appeal, lodged with the Environment Court in Christchurch this week by the Society for the Promotion of an Alternative Trail (Roxburgh Hydro to Lawrence), was against Mr Nugent's consent decision "in its entirety". It said the consent should be cancelled.

The proposed Clutha Gold Trail will run from the Roxburgh dam to Lawrence. Consent granted to the Clutha Gold Charitable Trust by Mr Nugent last month applied only to the section within the Central Otago district, from the dam to Beaumont, where the trail will follow the true left bank (east) of the Clutha River, mostly on marginal strip.

The consent was for the structures associated with the construction, operation and maintenance of a walking and cycling track. In particular, 11 horizontal signs, each with a maximum area of 3sq m, for interpretation of items of interest along the trail, one kiosk sign in Millers Flat and three culverts.

Consent was not granted for the track's construction, as the trust did not apply for it, because it did not think it was necessary. At the hearing in February, Mr Nugent found any earthworks or vegetation that required clearing as part of the track's construction would require a consent "severable and distinct from the activity of use of the trail itself".

The society disagreed and, in its appeal, said Mr Nugent made a mistake in not bundling together the effects of the structures and the effects of the trail itself.

The appeal also questioned whether there was adequate information to assess the effects of the proposed structures and the trail's location. The society asked how, despite noting in his decision "there was a lack of information that could be used to assess the effects of those structures", Mr Nugent could grant consent.

Mr Nugent was also wrong when he found the effect on the environment of the cycle trail would be no more than minor. That decision did not adequately address the adverse effects of the proposal on the visual amenity values, rural amenity values and geological and flood hazards, it said.

As part of the appeal, the society has agreed to take part in mediation or an alternative dispute resolution process to find an outcome suitable to both sides.

The Central Otago District Council, which appointed Mr Nugent to hear the consent application, has been named as defendant in the case.

No date has been set for it to be heard by the Environment Court.

Consents Related To Trail Appealed

2011-04-08T09:08:00.001+12:00

Consents related to cycle trail appealed
By Colin Williscroft, on Friday 8 April 2011
Otago Daily Times

Resource consent granted for some aspects of the proposed Clutha Gold cycle trail between Lake Roxburgh and Beaumont has been appealed to the Environment Court.

The appeal, made by the Society for the Promotion of an Alternative Route, is based on legal advice, society chairman Jim Barclay, of Millers Flat, said. Some issues of law needed to be addressed but he declined to comment further until he had spoken to the society's lawyer.

The Clutha Gold Trail is proposed to run from the Roxburgh dam to Lawrence. The resource consent granted to the Clutha Gold Charitable Trust by independent commissioner Denis Nugent, of Wanaka, last month, applied only to the section within the Central Otago district, from the dam to Beaumont, where the trail will follow the true left bank (east) of the Clutha River. Most of the track will be on the marginal strip next to the river.

The consent was for structures associated with the construction, operation and maintenance of a walking and cycling track, subject to 48 conditions. Mr Nugent did not grant consent for the trail itself, as the trust's application did not ask for it.

"It was the applicant's contention that the trail itself was a permitted activity and therefore did not require resource consent," Mr Nugent said in releasing his decision.

"I need not explore whether that contention is correct or not, as I would have no jurisdiction to grant consent to something that has not been applied for."

Mr Nugent rejected a request at the hearing, by Dunedin planning consultant Keith Hovell, that the application for consent be renotified. That request was based on the opinion the track itself required consent.

The 73km trail was the first in Central Otago to receive funding under the New Zealand Cycle Trail project, with a grant of $2.5 million for the 50km section from the dam to Beaumont. Government funding for the second part of the trail is under review, because of unresolved issues with affected landowners.

Trust chairman Rod Peirce, of Roxburgh, did not want to comment on the appeal.

The Environment Court confirmed it had received the appeal but could not give any indication as to when the appeal would be heard.

Film On Life Before And After Dam

2011-03-31T09:15:00.003+13:00

Documentary on life before and after dam
By Colin Williscroft, on Wednesday 30 March 2011
Otago Daily Times

Cromwell Junction, before the Clyde dam

Gemma Duncan is making the film as part of her master of arts degree in screen production at Auckland University.

During her undergraduate degree, at Unitec, she took large digital photos of historic sites around the South Island and spent two and a-half weeks in Cromwell.

"I just fell in love with the place. It's got a rich and in-depth history."

For the latest project, Miss Duncan hoped to interview individuals and representatives of community groups about what it was like to live in Cromwell before the dam was built and what it is like now.

She has already been in contact with the Cromwell i-SITE and the Cromwell and Districts Promotion Group.

She is aware that construction of the dam was controversial.

"The last thing I want from the documentary is to make a statement about whether or not the dam should have been built. It's more about focusing on what was there and what still is.

"If physical history is lost, people still have their memories. It is about loss but it's also about community spirit." The length of the film was yet to be determined, she said.

"It all depends on what I find. It's very early in the game right now, so, although I have a vision, it's hard to say how long, as the nature of documentaries means everything changes as you meet the people along the way."

Historic footage might be included, but the focus would be on people's memories and what Cromwell was like to live in today.

Miss Duncan is working to secure funding for the film but hopes to be in Cromwell within the next month for pre-production work, before returning in August for filming.

She plans to have the film finished by the end of the year.

"Then I've got to look at getting it screened. I'm hoping a film festival might pick it up. I'd also like to think we could have some sort of community event in Cromwell, to show the residents."

Consent Granted For Trail Structures

2011-03-12T09:11:00.000+13:00

Consent granted for trail structures

By Colin Williscroft, on Saturday 12 March 2011
Otago Daily Times

Planning consent has been granted for some aspects of the Clutha Gold Trail but the decision could still be appealed.

Independent commissioner Denis Nugent, of Wanaka, has granted the Clutha Gold Charitable Trust land use consent for structures associated with the construction, operation and maintenance of a walking and cycling track, following a hearing held in the middle of last month.

Consent is subject to 48 conditions.

The Clutha Gold Trail is proposed to run from the Roxburgh dam to Lawrence. The resource consent granted by Mr Nugent applies only to the section within the Central Otago district, from the dam to Beaumont, where the trail will follow the true left bank (east) of the Clutha River.

Consent was granted for 11 horizontal signs, each with a maximum area of 3sq m, for interpretation of items of interest along the trail, one kiosk sign in Millers Flat and three culverts.

Mr Nugent did not grant consent for the trail itself, as the trust's application did not ask for it.

"It was the applicant's contention that the trail itself was a permitted activity and therefore did not require resource consent," Mr Nugent said.

"As the applicant has limited the application to the structures listed, I need not explore whether that contention is correct or not, as I would have no jurisdiction to grant consent to something that has not been applied for."

If the trust found that it could not meet Central Otago District Council standards for a permitted activity during construction of the trail, it would need to stop work and apply for the necessary resource consent, he said.

The 73km trail was the first in Central Otago to receive funding under the New Zealand Cycle Trail project, with a grant of $2.5 million for the 50km section from the dam to Beaumont. Government funding for the second part of the trail is under review, due to unresolved issues with affected landowners.

Chairman of the Society for the Promotion of an Alternative Route Jim Barclay, of Millers Flat, said he expected Mr Nugent's decision.

"They've got consent for the structures associated with the trail but no-one knows whether the trail itself needs consent."

The society had yet to meet to consider what it would do next but Mr Barclay said that would happen soon. Only after that meeting was held could he comment on the likelihood of an appeal, which had to be made within 15 working days of the Mr Nugent's decision.

Trust chairman Rod Peirce, of Roxburgh, was pleased consent had been granted, but wanted to wait until the appeal period was over before making any comment. However, he hoped discussions with landowners affected by the other section of the trail would be successful and it, too, could go ahead.

Objectors Not Against Trail

2011-02-23T18:26:00.001+13:00

Objectors not against trail idea
By Colin Williscroft, on Wednesday 23 February 2011
Otago Daily Times

A group of landowners who objected to the route of the proposed Clutha Gold Trail are not against the trail itself.

Chairman of the Society for the Promotion of an Alternative route (Roxburgh Hydro - Lawrence) Inc, Jim Barclay, of Millers Flat, said all those people who spoke at the recent resource consent hearing for the trail said they supported its aims ''but like all good ideas, you have to get the local people to support more than just the aims''.

Everyone involved with the society was in favour of anything that promoted the district, Mr Barclay said.

The Clutha Gold Trail will run along the true left side (east) of the Clutha River, from the Roxburgh dam to Lawrence, although the resource consent hearing was only dealing with the section from the dam to Beaumont.

It will be built mainly on the marginal strip next to the river, although some parts will be in Crown-owned land, land vested in the Central Otago District Council and private property, including some owned by Contact Energy.

Mr Barclay said the 19 or 20 paid-up members of the society believed the proposed route of the trail by-passed significant Teviot Valley tourist attractions, such as the Lonely Graves and former gold panning areas.

''It would seem appropriate they were included in the trail.''

The society was formed by people as a way of pursuing their common interests, he said.

In its present form, the route was unnecessarily disruptive on some people, Mr Barclay said.

''There are alternatives available.

''The society would like to work with the trust to minimise the effects on established homes, farming and orchard seasonal work, as well as to minimise the cost of construction and maintenance of the trail.

''If we work together we could get everyone on the side of what could be a good idea.''

Trail Landowners Criticise Process

2011-02-18T09:18:00.003+13:00

Trail landowners criticise process
By Colin Williscroft, on Friday 18 February 2011
Otago Daily Times

Landowners opposed to the proposed Clutha Gold Trail have criticised the way the organisation behind it has gone about the project.

They voiced their dissatisfaction during a two-day hearing in Roxburgh this week that heard an application by the Clutha Gold Trail Charitable Trust for resource consent to build structures associated with the construction, operation and maintenance of a walking and cycling trail.

The proposed Clutha Gold Trail will run along the true left side (east) of the Clutha River, from the Roxburgh dam to Beaumont.

It will be built mainly on the marginal strip next to the river, although some parts will be in Crown-owned land, land vested in the Central Otago District Council and private property, including some owned by Contact Energy.

Ruth Huwes, of Millers Flat, told Hearings Commissioner Denis Nugent the proposal had been characterised by a lack of transparency and communication.

Mrs Huwes and her husband Colin met trust members in 2008 to discuss what impact the trail might have on a retreat they were building on their property next to the marginal strip, as they were concerned the trail and accompanying cyclists would invade the privacy of their future guests.

They were told their concerns would be listened to but Mrs Huwes said they did not hear from the trust until it was announced last year the trail would largely follow the river.

"We had continued to build our retreat but we now had very serious doubts as to the intentions of the trust with regard to our property. We were devastated," Mrs Huwes said.

"We had tried to be proactive in 2008 but now felt betrayed."

Since that time they have been told they were "uncivic" in opposing the trail.

"I feel that we are being singled out as objecting to and trying to stymie the whole project. That is not the case. We are merely wanting a level playing field and [to be] given sufficient information and time to assess what the impacts are on us," she said.

Ken Franklin, of Christchurch, but who has owned a property next to the marginal strip by the Clutha River for seven years, echoed some concerns.

"There has been a lack of adequate consultation in terms of the location [of the trail]," he said.

The trust had not chosen the best possible route for the trail, he said, in terms of public safety, visual amenity and construction and maintenance costs.

"There needs to be wider consultation about other alternatives."

Anita Dawe, of Clyde, a senior planner with BTW South who represented the trust at this week's hearing, said there had been a variety of consultation and information meetings, phone calls and news articles about the trail. "We submit that consultation has been exhaustive and continuous."

Consultation does not mean to reach agreement, although that is the desired outcome, but to engage, participate and adjust proposals if possible, she said. Meetings with affected residents were held until February 28.

"Despite the best intentions and goodwill of all parties, unfortunately, no agreement could be reached," she said.

Mr Nugent reserved his decision.

Missing Man's Body Returned Home

2011-02-10T08:47:00.001+13:00

Missing man's body returned home
By Barbara Withington, on Tuesday 10 February 2011
Southland Times

For some it meant closure, others saw it as nothing short of a miracle.

Family members gathered at the Beaumont Jet office yesterday morning as the body of Paul Wilson was bought ashore from the swollen Clutha River, ending seven days of searching since the 28-year-old civil engineer went missing in the Talla Burn stream while collecting water samples.

With the Clutha River flowing at about 1300 cumecs (normal flow about 800 cumecs), dropping from a high of almost 1550 cumecs on Tuesday morning, fears had been held Mr Wilson's body would never be recovered.

In normal river flow, the body of 16-year-old Darryl Walker, who dived into the Clutha River 1km south of Roxburgh on November 11, 2008, was never found.

In a media release, Detective Sergeant Derek Shaw said Dave Crawford, of Beaumont Jet, continued to observe the river and had discovered Mr Wilson's body about 11am.

"We believe Mr Wilson has always been within the search area but had only recently become visible," Mr Shaw said yesterday.

Police also thanked Central Otago LandSar, volunteer searchers, local farmers and Contact Energy, who all assisted in the search.

Mr Wilson had been the project engineer for Talla Burn Generation, a run-of-the-river power scheme developed by his father Jeff Wilson in partnership with Beaumont Station owner Alan Hore.

The scheme began producing up to 2.6megawatts of power in early November.

One of the conditions placed by the Otago Regional Council on the project was that regular water samples be taken, and it was while he was carrying out sampling of the Talla Burn in flood that Mr Wilson disappeared.

Senior Sergeant Andy Reed, who was involved in the search for and recovery of Mr Wilson, was a neighbour of Mr Wilson's parents but said he felt the loss no more than anyone else.

"Anyone in Roxburgh who has anything to do with the family will be feeling it for them," Mr Reed said.

The matter has been referred to the coroner.

Mr Wilson's family asked for privacy

Family Mourns Young Man

2011-02-10T08:42:00.001+13:00

Family mourns 'young man with great ideas'
By Lynda Van Kempen, on Thursday 10 February 2011
Otago Daily Times

Roxburgh civil engineer Paul Wilson was instrumental in establishing the Talla Burn hydro-electric power scheme and was a young man with great ideas who would be sorely missed, a family friend said yesterday.

Mr Wilson's body was recovered from the Clutha River yesterday, a week after he went missing while collecting water samples from the flooded Talla Burn, next to Talla Burn Generation's powerhouse, 10km from Beaumont.

Friend Stephen Jeffery, who is also the Roxburgh Community Board chairman, said the 28-year-old was the driving force behind the power scheme.

"Paul was instrumental in getting that whole project up and running, and I'm not sure if that was the last of it ... He had some plans for the future.

"His death is a tragedy for the whole district and he'll be sorely missed, especially in the Teviot Valley.

"He was a really nice guy and had some great ideas," Mr Jeffery said.

The power generation company is locally owned and operated, and was established in 2007 by the Wilson and Hore families.

The powerhouse, located on the Talla Burn, has been generating electricity since November.

Mr Wilson was found about 5km upstream of the Beaumont bridge, by a commercial jet-boat operator who had been involved in the week-long search and continued to monitor the river, Detective Sergeant Derek Shaw, of Alexandra, said.

"I hope that being able to retrieve Mr Wilson will be a help in some way for those going through the grieving process.

"Having an unresolved search would have been disturbing for the family and for the searchers as well," Det Sgt Shaw said.

The Wilson family and police were grateful for the efforts of all those in the Teviot Valley and further afield who assisted in the search and in catering and providing accommodation for those involved, he said.

"It was a huge effort by the wider community, with people donating their time, jet-boat time, helicopter time and making a considerable effort to help with the search and recovery of Mr Wilson.

"That was appreciated by the family and the police."

The matter had been referred to the coroner.

"We still need to try and establish what exactly happened to Mr Wilson, who was last seen heading towards the Talla Burn and then found a week later in the Clutha - what happened in between those times has to be determined."

The area where the body was located was searched several times during the past week.

"The level of the Clutha has risen during the week and we believe Mr Wilson's body has moved within the river and only became visible today [Wednesday]," he said.

The immense flow of the river, swollen by rain, was one of the challenges faced by searchers.

"Being involved in the search and recovery, you get a sense of how much we underestimate rivers, the unrelenting energy of the Clutha especially," Det Sgt Shaw said.

More Flooding For South Otago

2011-02-08T08:21:00.001+13:00

More flooding tipped for South Otago
Tuesday, 8th February 2011
Otago Daily Times

The Otago Regional Council is predicting further flooding of rural farmland near Balclutha after heavy rain caused surface flooding in South and West Otago yesterday.

Although many rivers in the area are dropping, the ORC is predicting the Clutha River to peak at around 1900 cumecs at lunchtime today. This means low-lying areas close to the river, up and downstream of Balclutha, will flood, adding to the already high water levels in the lower Clutha delta.

Because Clutha river flows upstream at Roxburgh Dam are above 1400 cumecs, the lower Clutha is expected to remain high for several days.

Search For Roxburgh Man Continues

2011-02-04T08:08:00.003+13:00

Missing Roxburgh man 'an easy-going perfectionist'
By Colin Williscroft, on Friday 4 February 2011
Otago Daily Times

The man at the centre of a search near Beaumont is an easy-going perfectionist with great potential, his uncle says. Paul William Wilson (28), a civil engineer, of Roxburgh, disappeared about noon on Wednesday while collecting water samples from the swollen, swift-flowing Talla Burn.

He had been working with others near the Talla Burn Generation powerhouse, 10km from Beaumont.

His uncle, Dennis Kirkpatrick, of Roxburgh, owner of Jimmy's Pies, said Mr Wilson grew up with his children.

"Paul ... was quite a placid chap who liked to make sure everything was right."

Born and bred in Roxburgh and educated at Roxburgh Area School, Mr Wilson left the district to train as an engineer.

The search, which began on Wednesday afternoon and continued all day yesterday, will resume this morning.

Three helicopters were used extensively on Wednesday, with one making another swoop over the search area yesterday morning. The search was now on land and water, Detective Sergeant Derek Shaw, of Alexandra, said.

Three members of the Dunedin swift water rescue team searched the Talla Burn from the Millennium track to about 400m upstream, while five members of the police national dive squad from Wellington searched the lower Talla Burn and the Clutha River downstream of its confluence with the Talla Burn.

Dive squad spokesman Senior Sergeant Bruce Adams said visibility in the Talla Burn was 1m, and 3m-4m in the Clutha River.

The biggest challenge for divers in the Clutha was its swiftness, while tree branches and rocks were the problem in the Talla Burn.

Eight Central Otago Search and Rescue staff and three police officers yesterday joined family members and friends of Mr Wilson in a search near the river.

"We're also exploring options away from the river," Det Sgt Shaw said.

The Talla Burn was in flood when Mr Wilson went missing, but by yesterday had dropped considerably and was returning to normal levels and clarity, Det Sgt Shaw said.

"As time passes, naturally our concern for Mr Wilson grows and we have grave fears for his safety."

He praised the "fantastic support" from the Millers Flat community, which included catering for searchers.

Talla Burn Generation Ltd is a locally owned and operated company established in 2007 by the Hore and Wilson families.

Located on the Talla Burn on Beaumont Station, the powerhouse has been generating electricity since November.

Man Thought Swept Away In River

2011-02-03T09:11:00.002+13:00

Man thought swept away in river named
Thursday, February 03 2011
NZPA

A search will resume today for a missing man thought to have been swept away in a river in Central Otago.

The 27-year-old man is understood to be Peter Wilson, The Southland Times reported.

Wilson, from Roxburgh, 44km southeast of Alexandra, went to the Clutha River to collect water samples about 12.30pm yesterday but did not return.

Police from Alexandra, Roxburgh and Balclutha, Clyde Coastguard, local search and rescue staff, helicopters and family members began searching for the man yesterday and will continue to scour the area today.

It's likely police will today use a dive squad to aid the search for Wilson.

Alexandra Sergeant Ian Kerrisk yesterday said "items of interest" had been found in the river and police had grave fears for the man's safety.

It's believed the man fell into a creek after he had gone to check the water level and water quality while working for the Talla Burn Generation power company.

Energy companies still spilling water

2011-01-14T09:23:00.001+13:00

Energy companies still spilling water
By Sally Rae and Colin Williscroft, on Friday 14 January 2011
Otago Daily Times

Meridian Energy is continuing to spill water from the Waitaki hydro system.

Yesterday, spokeswoman Michelle Brooker said a northwest front was forecast this weekend, which would mean more rain.

It was a case of waiting to see what happened and monitoring the situation. Spilling began after Christmas, due to heavy rain.

Yesterday, the Waitaki River was flowing at 800cumecs, compared with 1110cumecs the previous day.

Pukaki and Tekapo were both still spilling and were down to 80cumecs and 150cumecs respectively.

It was intended to reduce that over the next few weeks, but it was all weather dependent, Ms Brooker said.

"If we get a couple of fronts come through and get lots of water, that could be an issue," she said, adding people should still watch for rising lake and river levels.

• On the Clutha River, Contact Energy is still spilling water at the Clyde dam.

Contact generation manager Graham Quinn said 900cumecs of water was being spilled daily. The amount peaked at 1400cumecs on December 28, before it dropped to about 1000cumecs on January 2.

Further rain increased inflows to about 1300cumecs on January 3, Mr Quinn said.

How long water will be spilled would depend on the weather.

A similar amount of water is being spilled at Roxburgh dam.

Harbourmaster Warns River Users

2011-01-10T22:56:00.002+13:00

Harbourmaster warns Clutha River users
By John Edens, on Monday 10 January 2011
Southland Times

Summer started to sizzle yesterday but recreational users should still stay off the Clutha River, the district's harbourmaster said.

The Clutha River at the Cardrona River confluence had dropped from a flow of 693.262 cubic metres per second on Friday to 613.873 cumecs yesterday, 13 cumecs above the first flood warning level.

Queenstown Lakes District Council harbourmaster Marty Black said the river flow was falling but the waterway needed to be treated with caution this week.

"Tomorrow it should be OK but the flow is going in amongst a lot of trees.

"Unless you're experienced don't go," he said.

Boogie boarders, tubers and inexperienced recreational users should stay off the river until at least the end of the week, he said.

Lake levels in Queenstown and Wanaka were still high yesterday but fine, mostly dry weather means flooding is unlikely.

Lake Wakatipu was fractionally above the first flood warning level of 310.8m yesterday and continuing to fall from a level of 310.921m on Friday.

Lake Wanaka had fallen to 279m, 40cm below the first flood warning level.

Queenstown Lakes District Council spokeswoman Jo Blick said lake levels probably peaked on Friday and fine weather was forecast for the beginning of the week.

The council continued to advise caution to people using walking tracks in Queenstown and Wanaka, she said.

She said parts of some tracks were completely flooded and the council had erected advisory signs but these were being ignored. "It's more of a precaution," she said.

The Kelvin Peninsula Walkway at the Kawarau Falls development was still under water and parts of the Wanaka Outlet Track and the Glendhu Bay Track were flooded, she said.

A MetService forecast said the temperature in Queenstown reached 23degC by 2pm yesterday.

The forecast for today was fine at first with showers in the afternoon and a maximum temperature of 25degC.

Close Watch On Lakes As Levels Rise

2011-01-04T08:06:00.001+13:00

Close watch on lakes as levels rise
Tuesday, 4 January 2011
Otago Daily Times

The Otago Regional Council was closely monitoring both lakes yesterday.

They were on first flood alerts and expected to peak last night without causing significant flooding.

The ORC was predicting Lake Wakatipu to reach about 311.035m, over the first flood warning level of 310.800m but below the possible flood level of 311.3m, which would bring some water into low-lying reserve areas of Queenstown Bay.

Council duty flood manager Phillip Perves said the rain had stopped in the headwaters of both lakes yesterday and the council was now monitoring the inflow and impact on the lakes.

It was thought the rainfall was comparable to last week's event, although due to that event lake levels were higher to start with, he said.

Lake Wakatipu was sitting at 310.899m at 4pm yesterday and was still rising.

The rain that fell in the hills above Lake Wanaka was more significant than last week.

The Clutha River at the Cardrona confluence was on flood alert at 702.454cumecs at 4pm while the lake gauge was at 279.342m at 4pm.

Wanaka chamber of commerce president Leigh Stock was maintaining a close watch on the water levels.

Yesterday morning's rain had cleared by noon and with mostly fine weather forecast from today until Sunday, those people spoken to by the Otago Daily Times felt confident the lake would not reach the 280m potential flood level.

Mr Stock said a flood alert issued on Sunday night was lifted early yesterday morning after it became apparent there had been less rain overnight at Makarora than the 150mm forecast - 72mm fell in the 24 hours to noon yesterday.

Mr Stock said the regional council flood models suggested the lake should peak at about 279.6m about 9pm, which was above the flood alert level of 279.4m but below the possible flood level of 280m.

"The Queenstown Lakes District Council and civil defence will take action if needed.

But I don't expect it to happen," Mr Stock said.

The Wanaka Marina Committee warned boat owners on Sunday to move their moored craft to prevent damage from waves, wind and driftwood.

"I don't think there is any chance of it flooding," committee chairman Duncan McFarlane said.

A major earth and tree spill closed State Highway 6 at Chelsea Creek, between Makarora and Haast, about 5.45pm yesterday.

The road reopened fully about three hours later.

Persistent rain in the Clutha and Kawarau catchments meant water continued to be spilled through the Clyde dam, as the high flow was too much for the dam's generators to cope with.

Although the Clutha River was high, there were no concerns about the level of the Manuherikia River, unlike last week, when several campers in the Alexandra Holiday Park had to be shifted from sites near the river.

Dunstan Irrigation Meeting Demand

2010-12-04T08:40:00.001+13:00

Dunstan irrigation meeting demand
By Lynda Van Kempen, on Saturday 4 December 2010
Otago Daily Times

Contact Energy says there is no demand at present for any expansion of irrigation from the Kawarau Arm of Lake Dunstan.

That is the conclusion of a report tabled at the Clutha Management Committee meeting in Cromwell yesterday. Contact Energy commissioned the report as one of the conditions to getting consent to continue operating the Clyde dam.

Under the conditions of its water permit to continue damming the Clutha River upstream of Clyde for power generation, Contact had to investigate how the needs of future irrigation users in the Kawarau Arm could be met, identify sites for intakes and design those intakes.

Central Otago District Council business development manager Jonathan Gadd told the committee the report met the objectives set out in the consent conditions.

"However, it seems unlikely at this time that it will have any effect in terms of construction of new takes or abstraction of water . . ." Mr Gadd said.

The Kawarau arm of the lake was formerly the Kawarau River, a tributary of the Clutha river and it had two distinct reaches - the reach from the Kawarau Gorge to the Bannockburn bridge and the reach from the Bannockburn bridge to Cornish Point, the report, prepared by Opus staff in Alexandra, said.

Siltation in the lake, particularly in the Kawarau Arm, had been an issue for water users.

Irrigation was essential for the production of wine grapes and vines had successfully been planted on land previously identified as marginal for pasture or orchards, the report said. This expansion in viticulture had occurred in and around Bannockburn and Cromwell, in particular.

Established growers and wine-makers believed there was no opportunity to expand grape-growing in Central Otago at present. There was an oversupply of grapes and growers were being encouraged to manage yields better to ensure quality rather than quantity of fruit.

The area of land planted in pip and stone fruit and the area of irrigated pasture was not expected to increase significantly, the report said.

Central Otago had not experienced dairy conversion at the same rate as other areas and climate extremes were likely to be factors, as was the distance from markets.

Potentially high-earning crops, such as olives and nuts, might increase, but that would be influenced by market trends.

"No other potential crops have been identified that are likely to provide sufficient income to support further irrigation development within the study area," the report said.

Cycle Trail Route Change Proposed

2010-12-01T08:55:00.001+13:00

Cycle trail route change proposed
By Lynda Van Kempen, on Wednesday 1 December 2010
Otago Daily Times

An alternative route has been proposed for the Beaumont to Lawrence section of the Clutha Gold cycle trail and trust chairman Rod Peirce is confident it will proceed.

That section of the 73km trail from Roxburgh East to Lawrence is subject to engineering studies and the approval of the New Zealand Transport Agency, but Mr Peirce said initial discussions with the agency were "positive."

The alternative route involves the use of some highway road verge, combined with access through some private property. NZTA coastal Otago manager Roger Bailey agreed the talks were "promising" and said safety was the paramount concern. Engineering studies had to be carried out to see if the trail would fit safely.

Mr Peirce confirmed that changes to the route were made to work around a landowner who had declined to give permission for his land to be used.

"But we've always been working on achieving our aim, to get from Roxburgh through to Lawrence. That's the main priority and we're still confident of meeting our target. This variation won't make a huge difference to the trail, and we're pretty happy with the route," Mr Peirce said.

"The key factors of the route are still there - the farmland from Roxburgh to Beaumont and the Clutha River section."

The trail was the first in Central Otago to receive government funding under the New Zealand Cycle Trail project, with a grant of $2.5 million for the 50km Roxburgh East to Beaumont section. The feasibility study for the 33km Beaumont to Lawrence section is being updated to reapply for government funding for that section.

There are 150 landowners along the entire length of the planned route.

Mr Peirce was unsure whether the route change would alter the estimated $3.8 million cost of the project.

"We're making savings in one part and spending in other parts has increased, so we'll need to work those figures out."

The second part of the trail had certainly not "stalled", he said.

The Roxburgh East to Beaumont route has been finalised and the trust has applied for resource consent for works and structures on that portion, which is all within the Central Otago district.

A hearing will be held before independent commissioner Denis Nugent, of Wanaka, probably in early February.

The application has attracted 17 submissions, nine opposing, five in support and three neutral, the Central Otago District Council's planning team leader Ann Rodgers said.

Wanaka Tracks

2010-11-01T19:19:00.001+13:00

Wanaka Offers New Walking Tracks For Summer
Monday 1st November 2010
http://www.voxy.co.nz/

Lake Wanaka's position as one of New Zealand's most popular walking and hiking destinations has been further enhanced with the construction of a number of new tracks. Designed to highlight the region's spectacular scenery to walkers of all ages and abilities, the tracks offer a mix of scenic day and overnight excursions.

The recent completion of three river and lakeside tracks; the Glendhu Bay Track, Hawea River Track and Clutha River Track serve to link the outlying communities of Lake Hawea and Luggate offering stunning scenery and a variety of walks for locals and visitors with all levels of fitness.

Lake Wanaka now boasts over 750kms of recreational tracks and routes from gentle lakeside strolls to high alpine treks. Sections of the new network are incorporated in Te Araroa, a national walking and tramping trail from Cape Reinga in the north to Bluff in the south.

"Lake Wanaka is a walkers' paradise offering some of the most unforgettable hiking in New Zealand, with breath taking scenery and great variety, from short local walks along the rivers to multi-day guided adventures in Mt Aspiring National Park," said Lake Wanaka Tourism general manager James Helmore.

A keen walker in Wanaka can do a number of day walks from the town centre such as the gentle Outlet Track which winds along the Clutha River, the Mt Iron Walk with 360 degree views of the Clutha basin or the Waterfall Creek Track along the lake's western shores. The walks are all spectacular in autumn with the brilliant reds and golds of the poplar trees.

More adventurous hikers are well catered for with a number of good day and overnight walks in the Mount Aspiring National Park. A scenic drive up the peaceful Matukituki Valley or to Makarora at the head of Lake Wanaka provides access to the start points for many hikes. From Makarora the Wilkin-Young three day (58km) circuit travels through stunning valleys before heading over the 1490-metre Gillespie Pass with impressive views.

Last summer the Motatapu Track was opened, a challenging 34-kilometre, three- to four-day alpine tramp for experienced parties. It follows much of an historic route that linked Wanaka and Arrowtown areas during the gold mining era.

The Lake Wanaka region has a proactive community of hikers and community organizations, such as the Upper Clutha Tracks Trust and the Clutha Mata-Au River Parkway Group who work alongside the Department of Conservation and Queenstown Lakes District Council to develop the trails in the region.

"The 45kms of new tracks are a real conservation gain for the region. The range of recreational opportunities including walkers, runners, mountain bikers, events and fishermen will all make good use of the tracks. I hope many will take the opportunity to get out and enjoy them," said Paul Hellebrekers, DOC Wanaka.

Funding of the tracks has also come from various community trusts such as the Central Lakes Trust, Otago Community Trust, NZTA, and the Wanaka Walkers Trust.

Cycle Trail 'Benefit to Communities'

2010-11-01T09:21:00.002+13:00

Cycle trail 'Benefit to communities'
By Lynda Van Kempen, on Monday 1st November 2010
Otago Daily Times

The Roxburgh Gorge cycle trail is a few wheel-tracks closer to becoming a reality now land-use resource consents have been granted.

The Central Otago District Council had applied to itself for consent for works and structures associated with the construction, operation and maintenance of the trail, on behalf of a newly-formed trust, which will run the trail.

Independent commissioner Denis Nugent, of Wanaka, heard the application early last month and granted consent, subject to 21 conditions.

Approved for $2 million in government funding as part of the New Zealand Cycle Trail Project, the 34km Roxburgh Gorge track will extend from Alexandra to the Roxburgh dam, on the state highway side of Lake Roxburgh.

Consent was sought for various structures, including three bridges, culverts, public toilets, information kiosks and signs, guard rails, cattle-stops and safety fences.

Six submissions were received, with no opposition.

" ... with no submitter opposing the application, the matters under contention really related to conditions that might be imposed," Mr Nugent said in his decision.

"The creation of another trail traversing a different type of environment from that traversed by the Otago Central Rail Trail would broaden the opportunities for tourists visiting the area. This would be of potential economic benefit to the communities at either end of the trail."

Alexandra resident John Douglas and Otago Fish and Game had suggested additional connections from the trail to increase accessibility to both State Highway 8 and the lake, but that was not a matter for him to consider, as it did not form part of the application.

"While the provision of such additional tracks may be worthy of consideration, it is a matter for the submitters to take up with the trust directly," he said.

In his view, most of the trail was within an outstanding natural landscape. The imprint of the trail would be low and it would blend in with water races and old roads along the way.

One of the conditions imposed was for the trail to avoid adverse effects on the heritage values of the area. Opening up the gorge to walkers and cyclists would enable the public to appreciate those historic sites, he said.

The conditions he imposed included restrictions on the hours construction work could be carried out, the design and colours of information kiosks and toilets, the content of signs and the final alignment of the trail.

Consent is still needed from the Otago Regional Council to build the bridges at Butchers Creek, Gorge Creek and Shingle Creek. The trail trust must also negotiate easements for the 11 private properties, and Department of Conservation, Land Information New Zealand and Contact property the trail will go through.

The Roxburgh Gorge Trail will link to the proposed Clutha Gold trail, which will extend from Roxburgh to Lawrence.

POWER Struggle

2010-11-01T09:12:00.004+13:00

POWER Struggle
Saturday 30 October 2010
The Press

Wild river, a raft, a safety briefing.

Glenn Murdoch, our good natured and we hope responsible guide, goes through the drill. Forward paddle, backward paddle, hold, stop. Drambuie for everyone if you lose your paddle.

Then he gives us the worst-case scenario. This is when the raft capsizes with the crew in the river and not necessarily attached to the boat.

"Keep your legs in front of you and your head looking down the river," he instructs.

The chances of tipping our bulky craft seem remote to a rookie like me but Murdoch, I guess, has to go through the motions like a flight attendant giving a spiel about the aircraft crashing.

We are on the Mokihinui River, which is in a remote northern corner of the West Coast, about 40 kilometres north of Westport. The launching point for our expedition is well inland, just below the fork in the river where the North and South branches meet and just above the 16km Mokihinui Gorge.

If state-owned Meridian Energy wins the day, most of the gorge will flooded up to an 85-metre dam to be built about 15km from the river's mouth. The resulting 14km-long lake will inundate 225 hectares of pristine lowland forest and obviously the stretch of wild river we hope to travel.

Meridian has the project on first base by obtaining the required resource consents from the West Coast Regional and Buller District councils. In March, commissioners decided, two to one, to grant the consents. The Department of Conservation (DOC), Forest & Bird and Whitewater NZ are appealing and the Environment Court is expected to hear the case in 2012.

Forest & Bird field officer Debs Martin, who is sharing a raft with Green Party co-leader Russel Norman (among others), explains Meridian faces another difficult hurdle: for the dam to go ahead, Meridian needs either permission from DOC to flood the land or it needs to acquire the DOC land by swapping it for other land which will provide a net benefit to conservation. Meridian has offered 700ha of land, two blocks of which are in the Mokihinui catchment below the dam.

DOC has completed its evaluation and a draft report recommends a firm "no" to Meridian on all counts. The final decision must be made by the conservation minister.

Martin hopes the area will end up in a conservation park, a process that was "on the table" before Meridian began the consent process.

She accepts the minister could direct the department to withdraw but thinks that unlikely because DOC has thrown "unprecedented" resources at the fight.

It all looks very difficult for Meridian but its Mokihinui project manager, Chris Evans (not on the trip), who has worked on the project for four years, says Meridian will persevere, concentrating for the moment on the appeal. Meridian has withdrawn its DOC flooding application so it can enter more open discussions.

The search for land to satisfy DOC continues, he says: "It's not an easy task when DOC already administers 80 per cent of land on the West Coast."

Back at the river, the launch is getting closer. About 120 people have gathered for a 6.30am start on a dull but mercifully dry morning.

Evidence before the commissioners showed only about 300 people use the area each year. We are certainly going to boost the average.

The event has been organised by the Christchurch White Water Canoe Club, more as a statement than a protest. The assemblage has its fair share of greenies but white water people come in all sorts of political stripes. Norman is the only politician on the trip.

The first step is for the rafts and kayaks to be bundled into nets and slung beneath helicopters for the trip up to the forks. One whitebaiter has set his net in the river just below the very site where the gear and people are loaded. In a scene reminiscent of Apocalypse Now, three helicopters flying neatly behind each other descend in an urgent racket of whining rotors.

The white water people are obviously not keen on the power project. The proposed lake does not stop them using the higher and difficult North Branch of the river but it means they face a dull 14km flat paddle on the descent which is currently broken by numerous boulder- strewn rapids, quieter stretches of green water, sandy beaches, striking rock features and healthy bush.

They concede their kayaks and rafts are not often seen on the river. As the day of our adventure shows, getting kayaks and rafts up the river is a major and expensive exercise.

Although the commissioners saw the loss of white water recreation as a "significant effect" they considered the dam would provide "a more diverse range of opportunities to a much wider group of people".

Hugh Canard, a Christchurch economic development and tourism consultant, whose heroic organisational abilities make the Mokihinui statement such a success, doesn't buy that argument.

He likens his white water colleagues to the endangered blue ducks who will be supplanted by the dam lake.

"We have the same rights as anybody else. Numbers shouldn't come into it. We are saying we are the blue ducks who have been using the river and minding their own business. Then along comes whoever and wants to take it away. You're going to displace blue ducks and introduce mallards."

While a lake would no doubt increase patronage of the area, by that logic a gondola up Aoraki/Mt Cook would be fine because it would do the same thing for the mountain, he says.

In his view the commissioners overlooked that the Mokihinui is one of only three reasonably accessible rivers on the West Coast that can be used by the majority of competent kayakers.

People who want a lake experience on the coast are spoiled for choice with about 100 naturally formed lakes that are under-utilised, he says.

Canard, 68, who has been kayaking since his late 30s, worries the lake will end up like Lake Dunstan at the head of the Clutha Dam - "dead".

"In my lifetime I've seen one river after another either getting diverted, drained or dammed. We've only got 20 per cent left. That's why the Mokihinui is important."

Roxburgh Gorge Trail Gets $2 Million

2010-10-15T20:54:00.007+13:00

Roxburgh Gorge Trail Receives $2 million from New Zealand Cycle Trail Project
Tourism Media Releases, on Friday 15 October, 2010, 5.00pm
http://www.fourcorners.co.nz/

Nga Haerenga, The New Zealand Cycle Trail project will sign its contract for the new Roxburgh Gorge Trail at a formal event in Alexandra today.

The trail is a joint initiative of Roxburgh Gorge Trail Charitable Trust and The New Zealand Cycle Trail project.

New Zealand Cycle Trail Programme Manager John Dunn says the Government is investing in the new trail to encourage increased economic activity and employment in the Central Otago region.

“The Roxburgh Gorge Trail will be a spectacular one-day cycle ride between Alexandra and the Roxburgh Dam along the Clutha Mata-au River,” Mr Dunn says.

“The Roxburgh Gorge has bluffs rising almost 350 metres on either side of the river at its most dramatic point and has been described as New Zealand’s own ‘Grand Canyon’. Opening up this gorge, which has no road access, will open up access to a truly iconic environment.

“I think that the opportunity to explore well preserved mining relics set within an imposing and inspiring landscape is something that will really appeal to people,” Mr Dunn says.

Central Otago District Council Mayor elect Tony Lepper says this is an exciting addition to our trail network, traversing a fantastically remote part of our district which boasts a rich cultural heritage. “I am sure that the Alexandra and Roxburgh communities will seize this opportunity to develop another vibrant attraction for visitors to Central Otago,” Mr Lepper says.

Roxburgh Gorge Trail Charitable Trust Chairman Stephen Jeffery says an idea that came out of community consultation, researched by the combined Community Boards of Roxburgh and Vincent will now become possible thanks to funding from the New Zealand Cycle Trail project. “The economic benefits will be significant and have the potential to revitalise business in the Teviot Valley,” Mr Jeffery says.

The 34km Roxburgh Gorge Trail starts in Alexandra and follows the Clutha Mata-au River through the Roxburgh Gorge to the Roxburgh Dam, linking with the Otago Central Rail Trail and the Clutha Gold Trail.

Within a short distance from Alexandra the trail heads into the gorge. Along the trail are old schist huts built into the rock by Chinese miners and remains of two small mining settlements. Near Roxburgh Dam the hills become less steep and the swirling currents of the river are replaced by the still waters of Lake Roxburgh.

“The Roxburgh Gorge Trail will be one of a series of 18 Great Rides under Nga Haerenga, The New Zealand Cycle Trail that will showcase the very best that New Zealand has to offer in terms of landscape, culture and communities,” Mr Dunn says.

“The latest edition of Lonely Planet has already rated the Otago Peninsula as one of the best cycling destinations in the world. The confirmation of the Roxburgh Gorge Trail, along with the nearby Clutha Gold and Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trails can only add to this outstanding reputation,” Mr Dunn added.

Our Rivers Are A Dam Disgrace

2010-09-30T10:28:00.001+13:00

Our rivers are a dam disgrace
By Richard Boock, on Friday 30 September 2010
Mountain Scene

Water warrior: Kiwi conservator Craig Potton presents new series 'Rivers' on Prime

If you haven’t already, consider putting aside a lazy hour over the next couple of weekends to watch the final two episodes of Rivers (Prime, Sunday, 7.30pm). You won’t be disappointed.

Presented by well-known Kiwi landscape photographer and conservator Craig Potton, the five-part series has already examined the Clutha, Mokihinui and Waikato waterways, shining the spotlight on not only the magnificence of the New Zealand countryside, but the now pressing threat from increasing man-made exploitation.

It was instructional last week, in particular, as Potton navigated the pristine waters of the Waikato at their source to the dirty, polluted, discharge at Port Waikato, to hear freshwater ecologist Mike Joy explaining precisely how bad the situation had become for the country’s longest river.

As Joy pointed out to Potton, two thirds of New Zealand’s native fish numbers are now on the threatened species list. Analysis of data suggests that if the current rate of decline in water quality continues, all will be extinct by 2050. If that was happening to our bird-life there would be hell to pay.

The picture Potton drew for viewers was that, while tourism and hydro dams had clearly contributed to the decline, the million-plus head of cows in the Waikato, the result of a recent intensification in the industry, was hitting the waterway the hardest.

The run-off from fertilizers combined with the equivalent effluent of a human population of four million, meant the river wasn’t fit to swim in by the time it got to Huntly, let alone provide reliable food for locals, or anything else.

It was a fascinating episode that offered up a disturbing paradox of New Zealand landscape – unforgettable mountain vistas and river valleys, mixed with a growing realisation that the entire ecosystem was now under serious threat.

Apart from anything else, Potton, an executive member of the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society, deserved credit last week for not jumping down the throat of energy analyst Steve Goldthorpe, who continually suggested that once built, hydro dams caused no harm to the environment.

It was Potton himself who had to point out that one of the biggest reasons behind the attrition rate of native fish was the extensive damming; that is, the various species could no longer swim up the river system. There are eight dams between Taupo and Port Waikato alone.

And if all this seemed to be chilling news about the Waikato, Potton was also able to show us the abysmal state of its biggest tributary, the Waipa; now the subject of a multi-million dollar Government drive to clean it up.

Potton said before the series that he’d felt nervous in his first experience in front of the camera, but believed television filming was the ideal medium for waterways as it was able to capture one of their most essential elements – motion.

He’s right, and the result is another excellent Kiwi travelogue hard on heels of Marcus Lush’s South and Jeremy Wells’ Birdland. Don’t miss the last two episodes – this week the Clarence, followed by the Rangitata.

Roxburgh Gorge Trail Funding

2010-09-25T09:10:00.007+12:00

Roxburgh Gorge cycle trail funding confirmed
By Colin Williscroft, on Saturday 25 September 2010
Otago Daily Times

Confirmation of the Roxburgh Gorge cycle trail is good news for the Teviot Valley, the chairman of the trust set up to administer the project says.

However, Stephen Jeffery, who last week was elected chairman of the Roxburgh Gorge Charitable Trust, which will take over governance of the project from the Central Otago District Council, said confirmation of government funding was only another step along the path towards making the cycle trail a reality.

"Don't get me wrong; it is good news to have the funding there but there are still plenty of hurdles to get through yet," Mr Jeffery said.

That included negotiating easements for the 11 private properties, and Department of Conservation, Land Information New Zealand and Contact property the trail would go through, he said.

The Roxburgh Gorge trail, which will be built on the State Highway 8 side of Lake Roxburgh, between Alexandra and Roxburgh, was given $2 million of government funding on Thursday, under Nga Haerenga, the New Zealand Cycle Trail project.

The 34km trail is expected to cost $3.3 million, with the trust tasked with finding the rest of the money.

The trail would be a boost to the district, Mr Jeffery said.

F&B Disappointed At Nevis River Appeal

2010-09-16T12:43:00.003+12:00

Forest & Bird disappointed at Nevis River appeal
Forest & Bird, on Thursday 16 September 2010, 9.30am
Scoop.co.nz

Forest & Bird is disappointed that Pioneer Generation is appealing the decision by a special tribunal to forbid dams on the Nevis River in Central Otago.

Last month the special tribunal allowed a proposed amendment to the water conservation order to ban dams on the Nevis River, which is home to a unique population of native fish, the Gollum galaxiid (Galaxias gollumoides).

The tribunal said banning the damming of the river would protect the rare native fish from the impact of hydro schemes proposed by Pioneer.

Forest & Bird Otago/Southland Field Officer Sue Maturin said the tribunal had accepted there was a compelling case to ensure the protection of this special fish species.

“We are disappointed Pioneer cannot accept there are other values that outweigh their desire to exploit one of the least modified rivers in Central Otago,” Sue Maturin said.

“We believe there are better options for renewable energy than damming our last wild rivers.”

The Nevis River is part of the Clutha catchment. Its source is at the southern end of the Hector and Garvie Ranges, from where it flows 50 kilometres northeast until it meets the Kawarau River, near Queenstown.

The special tribunal last month found in favour of a Fish & Game application, supported by Forest & Bird and other organisations, which removed conditions from the water conservation order that would allow a dam to be built.

The tribunal agreed the Gollum galaxiid was an outstanding feature needing protection, saying a dam could lead to the introduction of fish predators and other risks to this unique species.

The Nevis is also treasured by kayakers, rafters and fishers in its wild state.

Tracks Trust Blazes Trail For Groups

2010-09-13T14:22:00.002+12:00

Tracks trust blazes trail for groups
By Matthew Haggart, on Monday 13 September 2010
Otago Daily Times

A leader in opening up public access by building tracks, the Upper Clutha Tracks Trust is a finalist in the Inland Otago Conservation Awards. Matthew Haggart talks to trust chairman Tim Dennis about its mission to develop a network of trails and public access around the region. Initial steps taken by the founding members of the Upper Clutha Tracks Trust might well provide a pathway for groups charged with establishing trails around New Zealand.

While much has been made of the Government-led National Cycle Trail projects, the trust has effectively already established its own regional trail network .

The trust has built a trail network of more than 100km around Wanaka during the past three years and was recognised at the TrustPower Community Awards recently when it won the heritage and environment category.

Trust chairman Tim Dennis said being nominated for the conservancy award was fantastic.

In 2006, the fledgling trust produced the Upper Clutha walking and cycling strategy for the Queenstown Lakes District Council.

Spurred on by the passionate vision of founding chairman, the late John Pawson, the trustees had always been focused on "making it happen", Mr Dennis said.

"For us, it has always been about getting out there, getting on with things, and making things happen on the ground," he said.

Alongside Mr Pawson and Mr Dennis, the founding trustees include Helen Tait, Rachel Brown, Grant Fyfe and John Wellington.

Lake Hawea Station farmer Tom Rowley was co-opted by the trust shortly after Mr Pawson died in a climbing accident in 2008.

Mr Pawson's early leadership, vision and drive had provided the trust with the inspiration to forge on , Mr Dennis said.

The trust's first project - the Hawea River Track - was launched in November 2006 with the assistance of a $25,000 seeding fund from the QLDC.

Since the 11km track, which follows the Hawea River and links the townships of Lake Hawea and Albert Town, was completed in July 2009, the trust has quickly moved to establish more trails.

A 14km trail linking Glendhu Bay and following the shoreline of Lake Wanaka to Roys Bay in Wanaka was completed in December 2009, and less than a year later a new track from Albert Town was completed along the Clutha River.

The trust has two more projects in its immediate sights - a track along the southern shoreline of Lake Hawea connecting the township to Johns Creek, plus an extension of the Clutha River Trail, which will connect the existing trail to Luggate.

"Each track has its own personality and attraction because of their different characteristics," Mr Dennis said. The achievements of the trust were a credit to the team involved.

Input and assistance was given by private landowners, the QLDC and the Department of Conservation, he said.

A long-term project for the trust was to establish a trail along the Clutha River, which will connect Wanaka to Clyde - a potential link in the National Cycle Trail which will connect with the existing Central Otago Rail Trail and with a planned Clutha Gold-Roxburgh Trail.

An initial approach to the New Zealand Cycle Trails project organisation for a trail between Wanaka and Clyde had been knocked back, but Mr Dennis remained hopeful it would, in time, be recognised as a valuable addition to a national tourism network.

Mr Pawson's galvanising influence on the trust remained, and it was his idea for the Wanaka-Clyde link, Mr Dennis said. (Webmaster note: John Pawson was a founding member of the Clutha Mata-Au River Parkway Group, and became a strong and valuable advocate for the river-length trail which was proposed before his membership as part of the river parkway and trail vision.)

"It was very clear that John was right in his vision. He would want us to go for it and stick to our guns."

• The winner of the Inland Otago Conservation Awards will be announced at a ceremony in Cromwell tomorrow night.

Agreement Signed For Trail Funding

2010-09-10T10:05:00.001+12:00

Agreement signed for trail funding
By Linda Van Kempen, on Friday 10 September, 2010
Otago Daily Times

Cycle trails are the "least invasive form of tourism on the planet" Clutha Gold Trail Trust chairman Rod Peirce said as he signed an agreement for $2.54 million in funding for the project yesterday.

Planning began four years ago and signing the contract between the New Zealand Cycle Trail project and the trust was a real milestone, he said.

National cycle trail programme manager John Dunn, Central Otago mayor Malcolm Macpherson, Clutha Mayor Juno Hayes, Clutha and Central Otago district councillors, Lawrence-Tuapeka and Roxburgh Community Board members attended the signing in Roxburgh.

The Government funding is for the first stage of the Roxburgh-Lawrence trail, from Roxburgh to Beaumont. Funding for the second stage, from Beaumont to Lawrence, is still under review.

"There's still some land access issues we have to sort out but we're confident that will happen," Mr Peirce said.

"Signing this contract is another stage of the journey and gets us closer to construction."

Planning had already started well before the Government announced the national cycle trails initiative but the funding available accelerated the likely starting date for the project.

He hoped the first construction work on the trail could be under way by July next year.

Mr Dunn said the title of the trail summed up the reasons why it was successful in gaining funding.

"The first thing is the Clutha, the river, the landscape you go through; what could be better than cruising along with the water beside you."

"Then there's the gold mining culture. A lot of our trails have one string to their bow - the landscape, but you have a second string, which is the mining history of the area."

Towns were evenly spaced along Clutha Gold's 73km length, at Roxburgh, Beaumont and Lawrence, so were well-placed to cater for the visitors attracted to the area by the new trail, he said.

"The national cycle trails will revitalise communities and attract New Zealanders and overseas people to your towns."

Roxburgh Community Board chairman Stephen Jeffery said there was a "huge groundswell of support" for the trail in the Teviot Valley.

"Every day I have people asking me when it's going to get under way. This is a step in the right direction, " he said.

Central Otago Mayor Malcolm Macpherson said the economic benefits from the Otago Central Rail Trail had highlighted the importance of such projects.

Clutha Mayor Juno Hayes said Mr Dunn was welcome to visit any time - "especially if you bring a cheque with you".

The trail will link into the proposed Roxburgh Gorge Trail, from Alexandra to Roxburgh.

CLUTHA GOLD TRAIL

• 73km, following true left of Clutha River.

•Stretches from Roxburgh dam to Lawrence.

•$2.54 million approved for Roxburgh-Beaumont section.

•Construction work could begin in July.

•Will link to Roxburgh Gorge trail.

•Promoted by Clutha Gold Trail Trust.

TV Pick Of The Week: Rivers

2010-09-09T19:41:00.001+12:00

TV Pick Of The Week: Rivers
Thursday, 9 September 2010. 7.00am
NZ Herald

Where: Prime
When: Sunday, 7.30pm

Craig Potton says we must take far more care of our waterways.

Photographer and conservationist Craig Potton has spent 40 years photographing New Zealand landscapes. "Making art out of our forests, our coastlines and most of all, out of our rivers," he says early on in this beautifully shot five-part documentary series.

It's obvious this guy is passionate about our waterways in all their wild, turbulent and tranquil glory.

In Rivers, he travels from "source to sea" down the Clutha, the Waikato, the Mokihinui, the Clarence and the Rangitata, he looks at how they have shaped the land, influenced culture and commerce and, most importantly, how better "to use them wisely and protect their wildness for our children".

All is not well in our rivers, says Potton, who is a fervent advocate for cleaning them up and looking after them.

On his journey he discovers threatened native fish, such as those swimming in waterways under Hamilton streets, giant carnivorous land snails, and a crooked-beaked bird.

He also talks to divers at Lake Dunstan - the lake that covered the old town of Cromwell when the Clyde Dam was built on the Clutha in the 1980s - who tell him it's a stagnant piece of water with very little fish life.

He also interviews local people, such as three chaps from Clyde who share their experiences about the impact the building of the dam had on their lives. ("It took me a long time to get over the dam," says one, who used to kayak on the river).

Others interviewed include experts such as Ngai Tahu elder Sir Tipene O'Regan talking about the connection Maori have to their awa (rivers).

And it's clear each river in the series - chosen because they are all distinct from each other - has its own story to tell. Potton is a fount of knowledge and there's heaps of information to take in about everything from the importance of volatile wetlands in the high country to how the Clyde dam was designed to cope with a major earthquake - very topical given the Christchurch earthquake.

And when Potton goes to the source of these rivers he means just that - heading into some of the most remote areas of the country.

The budget for helicopters must have been phenomenal during the 50 days it took to shoot the five one-hour shows, although they are balanced by budget-conscious means of transport which include bike, raft, and swimming.

In the first episode, he explores the Clutha - the most powerful of them all. It's not as long as the Waikato but "this great waterway has by far the biggest flow".

On his trip downstream he finds Maori were drawn to the Clutha area for greenstone, Europeans came for gold and later to grow grapes.

However, says Potton, "how man changed it forever" was through the building of hydroelectric dams such as the Clyde.

Funding Sign-Off For Clutha Gold Trail

2010-09-09T09:51:00.002+12:00

Funding Agreement For Clutha Cycleway
Thursday, 9 September 2010, 7.00am
TVNZ

The Clutha Gold Trail cycleway in Central Otago will today be given $2.54 million by the government to fund a 54km cycleway between Lake Roxburgh and Beaumont.

Nga Haerenga, The New Zealand Cycle Trail, will sign its contract to help fund the cycle trail at a formal event in Roxburgh today.

The trail will start at the Lake Roxburgh Dam, upstream from Roxburgh and about 35km southeast of Alexandra, and would head southeast following the Clutha Mata-Au River and pass through the Teviot District and Millers Flat to reach the rural town of Beaumont.

"The Clutha Gold Trail is an easy-to-ride multi-day cycle experience that will be achievable for most fitness levels," New Zealand Cycle Trail programme manager John Dunn said.

"It forms part of an extensive network of great rides in Otago and is intended to link directly with the well known Otago Central Rail Trail."

Central Otago District Council mayor Malcolm Macpherson said the project would be of great benefit to the region.

"It will put wind in the sails of the other cycleway projects in Otago and Southland, reinforce our position as one of the world's premier recreational cycling destinations, and provide a timely boost to the local economy."

Funding for a second section of trail, from Beaumount to Lawrence, is under review.

The idea of establishing a national cycle trail was hatched at last year's Job Summit and Prime Minister John Key, who is also minister for tourism, has taken a personal interest in advancing it.

EARTHQUAKE

2010-09-04T18:24:00.000+12:00

Earthquake
By Russell Garbutt, Dunedin
Saturday, 4 September, 2010
(Article written in February, 2010)

In light of the disaster in Canterbury, Russell Garbutt of Dunedin, writes:

At the beginning of the year I wrote a piece for publication and sent it to the Listener, North and South and New Zealand Geographic.

The subject was earthquakes and what was likely to happen in the event of a major movement on the Alpine Fault. As it happens, I was talking to a member of the Geology Department on Friday and he had just returned from Christchurch and the Coast working on exactly that – he said on Wednesday that a major movement was due “now”.

****

The recent earthquakes in Haiti, Samoa and Chile, and the continuing relatively small earthquakes in and around New Zealand should remind us all of our own vulnerability when it comes to the “big one”. Perhaps more importantly, these events should determine what actions we collectively should be taking to minimise the after-effects of the inevitable major damage that will be caused when it arrives. It certainly should cause us to examine what those public bodies that are responsible for dealing with the after effects of “the big one” have planned, and what influences that man-made structures on our waterways have had in modifying the natural ebb and flow of the effects of erosion and aggradation of our high country.

Some facts that we should all be aware of.

• The New Zealand Alpine Fault is one of the world’s most prominent and active fault lines

• The East Coast of the South Island is part of one of the earth’s tectonic plates

• The West Coast of the South Island is part of another plate

• The Southern Alps have grown 20,000 metres over the last 25 million years, but have eroded most of this growth away

• Much of the erosion of the high country ends up on the beaches of our coasts

• The Alpine Fault is due to move in a major way

• All of the above will impact upon us, or our children, and how will we continue to live in the “shaky isles”.

The New Zealand Alpine Fault is part of the “Ring of Fire” surrounding the Pacific Ocean. This “Ring of Fire” is the perimeter of the huge Pacific tectonic plate that extends from New Zealand across the eastern Pacific to the western coast of the USA, Alaska, across to the eastern Japanese coast, down through Indonesia and then back to New Zealand via some of the Pacific Islands. There are 15 major plates that cover the surface of the earth and they float on the earth’s mantle, much like the skin on a pot of simmering jam. The plates are in fairly constant movement and this movement leads to tectonic activity where plates collide or move in respect to each other. The activity can be volcanic, seismic, or both. Countries that are in the middle of these plates, such as Australia, are largely isolated from earthquakes or volcanic activity. The number of earthquakes that New Zealand experience in a year as a result of being on the junction of two major plates may come as some surprise, but the norm is about 15,000 with about 250 of them large enough to be felt. They are all recorded by GeoNet and can be viewed on their website – usually within an hour of the event.

The East Coast of the South Island sits on the Pacific tectonic plate and is dominated by large rivers that drain the inner Alpine regions and associated large alluvial plains. Nowhere else on earth are so many large braided rivers. These rivers transport vast quantities of rock, gravel, sand and clay to the East Coast and after heavy storms in the high country the amount of debris that is transported by each river is vast. Rocks get tumbled down the river, are reduced to stones then to gravel and finally to sand or clay and are transported out to sea with some of the debris coming back to land to form beaches and sand dunes. The other huge contributor to this debris is land-slips and erosion. But for the most part, the eastern side of the Alps has a much lower rainfall than the west and this fact can lead to some serious consequences after a major seismic event.

The West Coast of the South Island, which sits on the Australian Plate, has two distinctive features that separate it from the East. The first is the huge difference in rainfall. On the Coast, annual rainfall is measured in metres of rainfall per year, and when you consider that a metre of rain over a hectare weighs some 10,000 tonnes, some idea of how much rain falls in a year can be imagined. Parts of the Coast receive over 10 metres of rain per year equating to 100,000 tonnes of water per hectare, while the average towards the Tasman may be a third of this figure. This prodigious rainfall has rivers flowing regularly at high rates. There is little opportunity for rocks or sand to hang around for any long periods of time. The other distinctive feature is that the landscape is largely bush covered and there is little distance between the mountains and the Tasman Sea. Rivers are consequently steep and there is much less braiding in the shorter distance between mountains and the Tasman Sea.

The Southern Alps seem a fairly constant part of our landscape, but in reality, they are prodigious growers. As the Pacific Plate collides with its neighbouring Australian Plate the boundary between the two plates is thickened, crumpled and forced upwards. The amount of uplift is huge, and was perhaps best described by Abel Tasman’s description of the South Island as “a great land uplifted high”. Over the last 25 million years the Southern Alps have been pushed up well over 60,000 feet or 20,000 metres. Unless erosion at a similar rate to the amount of uplift had been occurring over this period, New Zealand would have also been home to the world’s highest mountains. Over this period of time all of this uplifted material has, for the most part, been carried down to the sea by the waterways on either coast. What must be appreciated is that while erosion is sometimes a gradual and constant process, the main erosion occurs in spurts of intense activity. This is where the New Zealand Alpine Fault comes in.

The New Zealand Alpine fault which stretches 650km from Fiordland to North Westland, is known to have been the host of five events of about Force 8 magnitude where the effects have either been observed or can be measured geologically. The dates that can be provided for past events are circa 1350, 1475, 1615, 1725 and 1826. Using these dates, published in the recent “Hostile Shores” by Dr Bruce McFadgen, the interval between major movements coming forward in time, has been 125 years, 140 years, 110 years, and 101 years. The average gap between major movements over these 660 years has been 119 years. Using this average, another major Alpine Fault movement could have been anticipated in 1945. In other words, we are overdue by some 65 years, although if the longest gap of 140 years is used, we are overdue by only 44 years. Other scientists may put these average gaps slightly higher, but the broad acceptance is that major movements on the Alpine Fault are both regular and of high magnitude. The message should be that while major movements cannot be accurately predicted, history shows that they occur moderately regularly and the current gap of 184 years is larger than any other gap in our recorded past. All present research shows that the tension along the Alpine Fault is reaching a point where the rocks along a very significant part of the fault will suddenly fracture and a major seismic event will occur. It is not a case of “if”, it is a case of “when”.

When the Alpine Fault moves it not only causes the above-mentioned crumpling and uplifting at the boundary, but the West Coast also slides northeast relative to the East Coast. The amount of this movement is also prodigious. It wasn’t until 1952, when Harold Wellman’s map showed for the first time that there was a match between rocks in Marlborough on the western side of the fault, and rocks in Otago on the eastern side of the fault, that proved that the land either side of the fault had shifted almost 500km over 25 million years – a movement about the same rate as your finger nails grow. But as has been pointed out, the movement is not continual or gradual – little or nothing happens for many years, and then there is a big and sudden movement.

So, how big a movement could be expected?

It is generally agreed between geologists from all round New Zealand that a Force 8 event would result in an 8 metre horizontal displacement and a 4 metre vertical displacement along the fault. Previous major events of this magnitude have resulted in movements of this degree. To put this into perspective, the 1968 Inangahua earthquake was a magnitude 7, but a magnitude 8 quake will release 30 times more energy. The immediate effects of this type of movement will be catastrophic the closer to the fracture area of the fault. Structures such as bridges, communications and roads and railways will be severely affected many hundreds of kilometres distant from the fault. It is likely that despite strong earthquake codes, that there will be significant loss of life if buildings collapse during the violent shaking. But the biggest effect will be landslips and other earth movements such as liquefaction. Countless millions of cubic metres of mountain sides will fall into valleys and waterways. On the West Coast, this debris will be rapidly swept to the sea by means of the huge rainfall. On the eastern side of the Alps it is possible or likely that the displaced debris will be stored in the high country until there is sufficient rainfall to start to carry it down the braided rivers to the Pacific Ocean. A magnitude 7 earthquake in Peru in 1970 killed about 80,000 people when a major landslip occurred that sent millions of cubic metres of rock, ice, water rushing at over 100mph down over towns on the side of the collapsed mountain, but the many millions of cubic metres of landslip debris didn’t get washed to the Coast until the El Nino storms of 1972. Within a further two years this debris was evident along the adjacent coastlines as newly formed sand dunes.

Liquefaction occurs in areas where the underlying land can be likened to a freshly lain pile of wet concrete. Wet concrete will stay as it is until it is shaken and then it will settle quickly with water rising to the surface and heavy objects settling into the now liquid goop. Many of the alluvial plains of the east coast such as the Canterbury Plains will, when violently shaken with a strong earthquake, undergo such liquefaction. The effects of shaking are amplified through such underlying geology and buildings and underground utilities such as sewers and water piping can either rapidly sink underground or, in some circumstances be forced out of the ground.

With all this background, it is worthwhile to examine what effects we have made on our landscape that has modified this natural sequence of events. There are four factors that immediately spring to mind.

• Firstly, the immediate area around the Alpine Fault continues to be sparsely populated,

• Some pockets of areas close to the Alpine Fault are densely populated,

• We have a major city on an area which will be subject to liquefaction,

• We have put artificial barriers across waterways which have already affected our natural landscape along our coastline.

Unlike areas such as Peru or Haiti, New Zealand does not have major cities or towns on the Alpine Fault. Much of Fiordland and Westland is relatively sparsely populated, but the effects of a Magnitude 8 earthquake along the fault will not be confined to the valleys and peaks of the high country. Such an earthquake will be felt over the entire South Island and will cause damage over many areas a long way from the long epicentre. It is anticipated that structural damage would occur as far away as Dunedin. It is also true that while the Alpine Fault ends in the north of the South Island, Wellington sits across the Wellington Fault which is a major splinter fault of the Alpine Fault. It would be hard to believe that Wellington would be insulated from a magnitude 8 event on the Alpine Fault and in reality, it should be expected that considerable damage would also result in our capital city.

Some areas such as Queenstown, Te Anau, and Wanaka on the eastern side of the fault, and the towns of the West Coast on the western side of the fault would be severely shaken. Structures on hillsides could fail, and there seems to be no doubt that infrastructure such as bridges, roads and railways would be severely damaged or destroyed. Cellphone towers and power to them would be compromised or destroyed and power and telephone lines would be bought down over very wide areas.

Christchurch lies on an alluvial plain which could undergo amplification of the effects of a major earthquake with liquefaction affecting many major structures.

Rivers in the South Island act as huge flushing agents for the debris created by such events as a major earthquake on the Alpine Fault and largely have been left unhindered by man. But there are some notable exceptions. The biggest of these would be the Clutha River which is fed by two major river systems. Lake Wanaka is drained by the Clutha and is joined at Cromwell by the Kawarau which drains both Lake Wakatipu and the waters of the Shotover River. It is this latter river which is responsible for much of the debris that comes from the Otago hinterland.

The Shotover has its headwaters deep within the area most likely to be severely affected by landslips. This river or its many contributories would be filled with debris from countless landslips and the immediate effect of this will be the damming of sections of the river, new watercourses being formed, and a large amount of debris entering the waterway. The Kawarau will transport this debris down to the confluence with the Clutha, and as soon as the waterflow speed reduces at the start of Lake Dunstan, the debris will start to fall out of suspension in the water and will start to fill the lake. This will happen because of the hydro-electric dam at Clyde.

But this is not the only dam on the Clutha.

Before the Clyde dam was constructed, the dam at Roxburgh acted in a similar way and over the 37 years between the completion of the Roxburgh dam and the Clyde dam was completed, sand and gravel that would have normally been carried down to the East Coast was trapped behind the Roxburgh dam – mainly where the water speed dropped to a point where it could no longer support the sediment. Residents of Alexandra will no doubt be aware of the creation of such sand bars near the confluence of the Manuherika just below Alexandra. It is also interesting to note where these vast quantities of sand from perhaps a series of landslips far up Skippers Creek would have ended up prior to the construction of the dams on the Clutha.

The geological records from previous major aggradation caused by previous Alpine Fault movements show that a lot of the sand ended up on the beaches of Coastal Otago north of the mouth of the Clutha. A short time after each big earthquake in the past, the debris was carried down the Shotover and Kawarau rivers into the Clutha and what did not get washed out to sea was carried north along the coast line by the coastal current and washed up on the beaches. The lovely white sands of St Clair and the beaches north round into Blueskin Bay have, for their most part, their origins in the quartz of the rocks of Central Otago.

This natural draining of the hinterland, and the consequent replenishment of the coastal sands was effectively bought to a halt when the Roxburgh dam was built in 1956, and it should not be a surprise that the beaches of Coastal Otago have since that time undergone some change with much concern being expressed about possible sea incursions near Middle Beach. But this change is minimal compared to what will happen when the major event on the Alpine Fault occurs in the future. The relatively small amounts of debris now coming down behind Lake Dunstan will be dwarfed by what will flow into the lake after that event. Already the lake has shallowed dramatically where the Kawarau enters the lake and it can only be imagined what the lake will look like when countless cubic metres of gravel, sand and clay comes down the river in the first storm after the big event.

It is not at all clear just who has the responsibility for dealing with the consequences of the next major Alpine Fault event. Government will be responsible for many remedial works through national agencies, but it will also be up to local and regional Councils to deal with local emergencies and remedial works. What interests me is who will be responsible for ensuring that the mighty waterways of our region are able to handle transporting the vast quantities of sand to the sea. Initial indications are that it seems that it will be up to the dam operators who have this responsibility but it is hard to see how they are equipped to do so, or what plans they, or the Regional Council have, to dispose of these millions of cubic metres of gravel, sand and clay.

One thing is for sure – collectively we should be aware of the inevitability of the next Alpine Fault movement and what we need to do to be prepared for it.

Tribunal Forbids Dams On Nevis

2010-08-26T09:06:00.001+12:00

Tribunal Forbids Dams On Nevis
Wednesday, 25 August 2010, 8.38pm
TVNZ

A special tribunal has forbidden the building of any dam on the Nevis River in Central Otago.

The decision was welcomed today by environment protection group Forest and Bird as a victory for wild rivers.

New Zealand and Otago Fish and Game had applied for an amendment to the water conservation order (WCO) on the Nevis River to remove conditions that permitted a dam to be built.

Electricity company Pioneer Energy had proposed building a hydro-electric dam on the river.

The tribunal, appointed by the Ministry for the Environment to consider whether the WCO should be changed, considered 248 submissions on the matter and spent 18 days hearing evidence in Cromwell and Dunedin during the past year.

The tribunal agreed to prohibit dams in order to protect the distinct local population of the native fish, the Gollum galaxiid. It heard evidence that damming the river could lead to the introduction of fish predators and endanger the native fish only found in this river.

Forest and Bird conservation advocate Quentin Duthie said the decision was a win for biodiversity in the region and New Zealand as a whole.

"This decision is a welcome sign that the value of our distinctive wildlife should not be traded off for short-term economic gain," Duthie said.

"This good news for the Nevis is a major win for wild river protection."

Duthie said the next big battle would be over the fate of the Mokihinui River on the West Coast, where numerous native plants and animals, and a unique and pristine river landscape, are threatened by Meridian's proposed dam.

The Nevis River forms part of the Clutha catchment. Its source is at the southern end of the Hector and Garvie Ranges from where it flows 50km northeast to its confluence with the Kawarau River, near Queenstown.

The introduction to the tribunal's report described the Nevis "as a place of spectacular beauty"

Forest & Bird Welcomes Nevis Decision

2010-08-25T18:09:00.002+12:00

Forest & Bird Welcomes Nevis Decision
Wednesday, 25 August 2010, 5.58pm
Voxy.co.nz

Forest & Bird welcomes today's decision by a special tribunal to forbid the building of any dam on the Nevis River in Central Otago as a victory for New Zealand's magnificent wild rivers.

Fish and Game had applied for an amendment to the water conservation order on the Nevis River to remove conditions that permitted a dam to be built. Electricity company Pioneer Energy has proposed to build a hydro-electric dam on the river.

The tribunal agreed to prohibit dams in order to protect the distinct local population of the native fish, the Gollum galaxiid. It heard evidence that damming the river could lead to the introduction of fish predators and endanger the native fish only found in this river.

Forest & Bird Conservation Advocate Quentin Duthie said the decision was a win for biodiversity in the region and New Zealand as a whole.

"This decision is a welcome sign that the value of our distinctive wildlife should not be traded off for short-term economic gain," Duthie said.

"Protecting all New Zealand's native animals, plants and landscapes is a priority and that is why we have supported the Nevis water conservation order application.

"New Zealand's remaining wild rivers are precious. These rivers are treasured by New Zealanders who love kayaking, rafting, fishing and swimming. They're also key to our '100% Pure' brand internationally.

"This good news for the Nevis is a major win for wild river protection. The next big battle will be over the fate of the Mokihinui River on the West Coast, where numerous native plants and animals, and a unique and pristine river landscape, are threatened by Meridian's proposed dam.

"New Zealand has plenty of renewable energy options that do not require the damming of our much-loved wild rivers and the endangering of the precious wildlife that live in and around them." The Nevis River forms part of the Clutha catchment. Its source is at the southern end of the Hector and Garvie Ranges from where it flows 50 kilometres northeast to its confluence with the Kawarau River, near Queenstown.

ORC Concern Over Dam Safety Rules

2010-08-21T12:16:00.000+12:00

ORC concern over dam safety rules
By Rebecca Fox, on Saturday 21 August 2010
Otago Daily Times

The Otago Regional Council does not think dam owners are capable of managing safety under a more relaxed regulatory regime.

A new dam safety scheme, due to have come into effect in July, was delayed to allow for an independent review after concerns about its potential compliance costs.

That review found the scheme was needed but required modifying to improve its efficiency and reduce compliance costs.

It also recommended the definition of a large dam be increased, eliminating an estimated 36% of "low-impact dams" from the requirements of the scheme.

The Department of Building and Housing consulted on the review, receiving 33 submissions, including one from the Otago Regional Council.

It would now analyse the submissions and report back to Government in the next month "or so" with advice on which recommendations should be implemented, a department spokesman said.

The regional council has been the building consent authority responsible for dams in Otago since May 2008 and for dams in Southland and the West Coast from July 2008.

In its submissions on the proposed changes, the council said dam owners had not demonstrated to the council they would be "capable of responsibly managing safety" under a more relaxed regulatory regime.

"Further experience shows that the industry is not meeting regulatory requirements that have existed under the Building Act for almost two decades."

Council environmental engineering and natural hazards director, Gavin Palmer, said in an interview dam safety was very important, as unlike most other structures, the effects of any failure would be felt off-site.

"Its an important issue . . . for anybody who lives downstream of a dam . . . who is thinking of buying property."

At present, there was a "vacuum" in the power available to the council to act if it had concerns about the "integrity" of a dam, although it did if there was immediate danger, he said.

Under the scheme as it stood, dam owners would have had to inform the council of their ownership, but with the proposed reduction in size, there would be no legal requirement for owners of smaller dams to do so.

"It makes it hard to assess the scale of the problem."

As to the suggestion of centralising the dam safety scheme functions, the council only believed it would work if central government took on all the Building Act dam responsibilities.

Otherwise, it was comfortable with the requirements to stay with regional councils.

"It's really important it is done as a coherent whole."

The Department of Building and Housing said the review recommended the authorities administering the dam safety scheme should have the power to deal with risky "smaller" dams.

This power would enable dams that would not otherwise be in the scheme to be managed, he said.

Ruling Revives Wind Farm Plans

2010-08-17T12:14:00.001+12:00

Ruling Revives Wind Farm Plans
By Paul Gorman, on Tuesday 17 August 2010
The Press

A South Island wind-power plan that could generate enough electricity for Christchurch and Dunedin has been revived.

Meridian Energy's proposed 176-turbine Project Hayes wind farm in Central Otago is back in the picture after the High Court allowed an appeal against a court ruling that overturned resource consents because of environmental effects on the unique landscape..

The state power company wanted the High Court to quash last November's Environment Court decision, but Justice Chisholm and Justice Fogarty decided yesterday that step was too unusual.

They determined Judge Jon Jackson in the Environment Court had wrongly applied parts of the Resource Management Act (RMA) to throw out consents for the wind farm, of up to 630 megawatts, that had been issued by the Central Otago District Council and the Otago Regional Council.

The High Court has instead set out specific directions for the Environment Court to reconsider the case, much of which hinged on alternative locations for a wind farm and a "test" that Meridian argued the Environment Court had developed which would require it and every other power company to prove projects were better than all alternatives.

Meridian chief executive Tim Lusk said last night the court decision was a "positive" result for the proposed wind farm on the Lammermoor Range northwest of Dunedin.

"We are really delighted and we will now be taking time to consider the report and its implications in the coming days," he said.

Central Otago opponents of the project were disappointed by the decision and hinted that there was only a faint chance of an appeal.

Landscape artist Grahame Sydney said the decision was "disappointing in the extreme".

"This is what Meridian always declared they would do – they would just keep spending money until they got their way. We haven't got any money," he said.

"This is in no way a consent being given. That was never in the High Court's power."

Poet Brian Turner said Meridian was continuing to use taxpayers' money "to batter us".

"They exhaust the life out of us – emotionally, intellectually and financially. It's like a war of attrition," he said.

"We have heard Meridian will go on to the bitter end."

Save Central co-ordinator Graye Shattky said the group, which appealed against the original consents to the Environment Court, needed to study the judgment before deciding whether to take it to the Court of Appeal.

If Project Hayes goes ahead it will be the first major South Island power station built since Contact Energy's 432MW Clyde Dam on the Clutha River in the 1980s.

New Zealand Wind Energy Association chief executive Fraser Clark said the High Court judgment sent a signal to all sectors involved in national infrastructure.

"It will certainly be received positively," he said.

"We are managing this winter well, but it was only a couple of years ago we were in a totally different situation and bringing higher-cost power from the North Island to the South Island."

The High Court hearing was held in Dunedin in June.

In the judgment, Justices Chisholm and Fogarty said they were "troubled" by the wider implications of the Environment Court's approach and that the "reasonable" alternatives the court was expecting would not be restricted to the Central Otago council's district.

"We do not think that Parliament intended that applicants could be called upon to describe alternative sites beyond the relevant district," they said.

"For a company like Meridian seeking a major wind-farm site in the South Island – because the bulk of its customers are located in that island – a comparison of alternative sites in the North Island would be largely meaningless."

The Environment Court was wrong to apply part of the RMA as requiring "explicit and comprehensive" cost-benefit analyses for alternative locations, the judgment said.

The High Court directed the Environment Court give Meridian "reasonable opportunity" to present more evidence on the matter of alternative locations within the district and allow respondents the chance to reply.

Call For Regulation On Dam Safety

2010-08-16T14:09:00.001+12:00

Call For Regulation For Dam Safety
Monday, 16 August 2010
Radio NZ

Campaigners say tougher regulation is needed to ensure dangerous dams are shut down.

Unlike most other developed countries, New Zealand has no specific dam safety laws.

Regulation was due to come into force in July, but was put on hold by the Government after dam owners raised concerns about compliance costs.

An independent safety review, commissioned by the Government, was subsequently carried out and concluded some dams are neglected and need to be decommissioned.

It found an urgent need for better monitoring, but recommended focusing on large dams to reduce red tape.

Clutha River Forum coordinator Lewis Verduyn says regulation is long overdue and should not be watered down.

He says thousands of people live and work in the hazard path of dams, and it is not fair that dam owners can avoid regulatory oversight.

The chairperson of the Wild Rivers campaign, Debs Martin from Forest and Bird, says it's not just people under threat, but sensitive habitats like estuaries.

She was living in South Canterbury when the Opuha dam collapsed in 1997 discharging 13 million cubic metres of water, causing millions of dollars of damage and killing about 1000 stock.

Ms Martin says decisions about dams are too critical to leave to cash-strapped regional councils and national oversight is needed.

The Department of Building and Housing says the proposed dam safety scheme is about planning to avoid a rare event.

Spokesperson Craig Hill says that, while there has not been any legal requirement for inspections, most large dam owners carry out comprehensive monitoring.

Dam Safety Regime Delay Controversial

2010-08-09T12:01:00.003+12:00

Dam safety regime delay controversial
By Colin Williscroft, on Monday 9 August 2010
Otago Daily Times

A Clutha River lobby group worried about way the safety of large dams in New Zealand is monitored is dismayed a proposed new dam-safety scheme has been delayed.

A scheme was due to come into effect on July 1 but was deferred, in the wake of an independent review.

Building and construction Minister Maurice Williamson said the two-year delay would allow time for the review's recommendations to be fully considered and any legislative amendments made.

That drew fire from the Clutha River Forum, which said a national safety scheme was long overdue and until one was implemented, large dam safety in New Zealand depended on the public having "blind faith" in dam owners.

Lewis Verduyn

Forum chairman Lewis Verduyn called for a independent dam safety authority to be established sooner rather than later, as large dam owners had too much autonomy for safety checks.

"They do their own inspections and there is no guarantee those inspections are accurate.

"They employ their own inspectors and we have to rely on them," he said.

"During the consultation for the review, one SOE even suggested that large corporate dam owners should be exempted from the safety scheme.

"Considering that large dams are potentially the most dangerous, this attitude is alarming, to say the least."

Countries such as the United States had a independent authority to oversee dam safety and New Zealand needed to follow that example, Mr Verduyn said.

Dam safety in New Zealand is the responsibility of regional authorities.

Pioneer Generation engineer Peter Mulvihill, of Alexandra, said an independent authority was just one proposal identified in the review.

Mr Mulvihill, vice-president of the International Committee on Large Dams and member of the working group studying proposals, said while such an authority gave an opportunity to provide consistent safety standards, similar bodies overseas had mixed experiences.

"We're not behind the rest of the world.

"We have a lot of responsible dam owners who have a really good record of looking after dams with state-of-the-art safety standards."

Mr Williamson said the delay was to ensure what was implemented was effective and efficient: "The current proposed safety regime is overly costly and complex and has the potential to force owners of small farm dams in remote areas to follow the same processes as owners of big hydro-electric dams," he said.

"Following an independent review of the proposed scheme, we are now planning to revise it to ensure dams that pose a higher risk and therefore need specific safety plans, are more clearly identified.

"I want to make sure we get the right level of risk management without imposing unnecessary costs."

The Department of Building and Housing is taking submissions on the Dam Safety Review.

Submissions close on Friday.

NZ Dam Safety Depends On 'Blind Faith'

2010-08-04T13:39:00.003+12:00

NZ Dam Safety Depends On 'Blind Faith'
Clutha River Forum, Wednesday, 4 August 2010, 9:24 am
Scoop.co.nz

The Clutha River Forum, an alliance of environmental groups opposed to further dams on the Clutha River, is concerned that New Zealand’s long-awaited Dam Safety Scheme has been deferred.

The scheme was due to come into effect on 1 July 2010, but the Minister of Building and Construction, Maurice Williamson, says it will be delayed for two years following a report earlier this year which found that the scheme imposed rules and compliance costs on dam owners ‘out of proportion to the risks’ imposed on New Zealanders.

“Unlike most other developed countries, New Zealand does not have a ‘Dam Safety Authority’, says Lewis Verduyn, Forum Spokesperson, and Chairperson of the Clutha Mata-Au River Parkway Group. “Thousands of people live and work in the hazard paths of dams, and yet dam safety in New Zealand depends on the public having blind faith in dam owners.”

The report, which was released by the Department of Building and Housing, recommends a number of changes to the scheme, which would regulate the safety of an estimated 1150 dams. But the Clutha River Forum believes that some critical issues have not been addressed.

“The report doesn’t acknowledge that overtopping events are a leading cause of dam failures,” says Dr. Richard Kohler, Chairperson of the Central Otago Environmental Society. “When it comes to dam safety, reservoir-related risks such as landslide areas and active fault-lines are just as important as the dams themselves. Rainfall and earthquakes can trigger catastrophic landslides and overtopping waves, and sediment-filled reservoirs can cause devastating floods. Both Clutha dams have reservoir risk factors, however the report recommends that all reference to ‘earthquake-prone and flood-prone dams’ be removed from the Act.”

There are two large concrete dams on the Clutha River. The Roxburgh dam was commissioned in 1956, and has been blamed for serious floods in Alexandra because of reservoir sedimentation. It was re-consented in 2007 for a further 35 years. The Clyde dam was commissioned in 1992 after years of controversy arising from complex fault-line and landslide mitigation issues.

Mr. Verduyn says “Although the review acknowledges that dams degrade over time, there is no mention of criteria to establish when and how dams and reservoirs are decommissioned, when the risks they impose become unacceptable and cannot be fully mitigated. Large concrete dams have a design life of 80-100yrs, but reservoirs trap sediment from eroding catchments, usually reducing this lifespan. Dams older than 50 years with known issues, like the Roxburgh dam, should have decommissioning timetables. Forward planning is needed because the impacts and costs are substantial.”

According to a report by SPX Consultants, ‘Reversibility of Renewable Energy Developments’, released in 2008, decommissioning and river restoration costs for a large dam, as a proportion of construction costs, are between 35% and 150%.

Last year, Contact Energy, the owner of the Clutha dams, dusted off historic plans for four more large dams on the Clutha River.

“The Clutha River Forum,” says Lewis Verduyn, “is firmly opposed to further dams on the Clutha River. Large dams are a gamble and it’s time that we recognised the serious risks that they impose on communities. New Zealand needs a credible ‘Dam Safety Authority’ that can enforce safety baselines and hold dam owners accountable for the impacts of their dams.”

The Clutha River Forum is an alliance of:
Upper Clutha River Guardians, Clutha Mata-Au River Parkway Group, Central Otago Environmental Society (Save Central), Beaumont Residents Group, Lower Clutha River Guardians, Forest & Bird (Dunedin / Central – Lakes), and concerned individuals throughout Otago and New Zealand.

Cycleways Funding Hailed; More Hoped

2010-07-08T08:43:00.003+12:00

Cycleways funding hailed; more hoped
By Lynda Van Kempen, on Thursday 8 July 2010
Otago Daily Times

Central Otago is likely to get "two bites of the cake" in cycle trail funding.

Acting Minister of Tourism Jonathan Coleman announced $2.54 million funding on Tuesday for construction of the 54km Clutha Gold trail, from Roxburgh to Lawrence, one of eight trails approved under the New Zealand Cycle Trail Project.

The 34km Roxburgh Gorge trail, from Alexandra to Roxburgh, has also been earmarked for funds but has yet to meet the criteria.

A decision on its funding is expected by the end of October.

Cycle trail programme manager John Dunn said one of the interesting things about the Clutha Gold trail was that it linked small communities.

"It's nice coming down the [Clutha] river. It's different.

"It's got some quite nice history along it.

"Cyclists could stop and spend 10 minutes reading about it."

It would also be a potential addition to the Otago Central Rail Trail, Mr Dunn said.

Central Otago Mayor Malcolm Macpherson said the Clutha Gold and Roxburgh Gorge trails, which would interlink and also connect with the rail trail, would be a boon for the district.

"It's great news for the region and all credit to the teams behind these two projects.

"There's been a lot of work behind the scene to get to this point.

"Although there's still work to be done, there's a pretty solid indication that both these trails will go ahead.

"They'll give us a nice regional network of cycle trails and some extra capacity at peak times when the rail trail is busy."

The success of the rail trail had built a solid foundation for the new trails and also provided a mass of information about the benefits such projects could bring to small communities, he said.

"Probably we wouldn't have got as far as we've got or so quickly if we didn't have the rail trail as a model.

"And because we had some numbers about its success and evidence of its impact, those things all added real strength to our case."

The district was fortunate to get "two bites of the cake" in trail funding, Dr Macpherson said.

Clutha Gold trail trust chairman Rod Peirce, of Roxburgh, said the proposed route still had to be finalised and the trust was negotiating with the 103 landowners along the way.

"Some easements have been signed but we're still working through things with some landowners.

"In general, everyone has been very supportive of our plans."

Mr Peirce said the start of construction work depended on discussions with land owners but it was likely to be early next year before work began.

Central Otago District Council business development manager Jonathan Gadd said although the Roxburgh Gorge trail had fallen short at this stage, he was confident it would be successful in October, when the next round of funding would be announced.

"The cycle trail people have given us some minor issues that we need to address before it meets the criteria and I'm very confident we'll address those within the time frame.

"There's nothing there that's going to tip us over and count us out."

Both trails would contribute an estimated $3.5 million in annual gross domestic profit throughout Central Otago, Mr Gadd told a council meeting earlier this year.

CYCLEWAYS

Clutha Gold Trail
- 54km Roxburgh to Lawrence
- $2.54 million approved for Roxburgh-Beaumont section
- Negotiations with landowners still under way
- Construction may begin early next year
- Promoted by the Clutha Gold Trail Trust

Roxburgh Gorge Trail
- 34km Alexandra to Roxburgh
- One of 12 trails earmarked for funding
- Must resolve some issues to meet criteria
- Funding decision in October
- Promoted by the Central Otago District Council

Riverrun Trail Series To Promote Tracks

2010-06-29T13:32:00.001+12:00

Riverrun Trail Series to promote new tracks
Tuesday, 29 June 2010, 10:50 am
Press Release: eveNZ

A new trail running series designed to showcase the spectacular location of Lake Wanaka’s tracks and trails was today announced by the team behind the successful Challenge Wanaka triathlon.

The inaugural Riverrun Trail Series aims to encourage an active lifestyle and enjoy the recently developed tracks in the Lake Wanaka region: the Hawea River Track, the Upper Clutha River Track and the Damper Bay/Waterfall Creek Track. For all three races competitors will be treated to amazing scenery along a river or lakeside trail.

The Riverrun Trail Series provides people with the perfect opportunity to explore the new tracks in a fun and safe environment, with prizes for place getters and plenty of spot prizes to encourage wider participation. Runners can enter individual races or all three and compete for The John Pawson Trophy.

The Riverrun Trail Series begins 17 October with a 5km, 10km and half marathon option on the Hawea River Track. Race two on the 19 February 2011 is a 14.1km run from Albert Town to Luggate on the Clutha River Track with the final race on the 21 May from Glendhu Bay to Wanaka’s Roy’s Bay via the Damper Bay and Waterfall Creek Track, 14.3km.

Race director Victoria Murray-Orr is excited to be staging the series and is committed to encouraging new participation into running as well as further enhancing Lake Wanaka’s reputation as a sports destination.

“Creating a series encourages people to stay fit and healthy throughout the year and to set personal goals. We hope the events will appeal to serious runners as well as those looking for a social morning out with friends and family,’’ she said.

The event is delighted to have the support of Riverrun and the Pawson Adventure Fund as naming sponsor. Offering a high standard of accommodation and spectacular mountain views, Riverrun lodge is surrounded by 500 acres of farm land bordering the Clutha River and the trails incorporated in the series. The late John Pawson, co-owner of the property was passionate about the outdoors and instrumental in the development of the tracks with the Upper Clutha Trails Trust.

“I am very happy to be involved with this fantastic new event which makes such great use of the network of tracks opening up to us. John was always keen to get out and enjoy the amazing countryside Wanaka has to offer and I am looking forward to being on the start line in October!” said Riverrun owner Meg Taylor. “It is nice to have an easily accessible, post-winter race to aim for.”

Developing the tracks has been an ongoing project for many years with multiple organisations working together including the Upper Clutha Trails Trust, Queenstown Lakes District Council, Department of Conservation, Te Araroa Trust, Clutha Mata-Au River Parkway Group, adjoining landowners and with additional funding from Central Lakes Trust, Otago Community Trust, NZTA, and the Wanaka Walkers Trust.

The Riverrun Trail Series is created, promoted and staged by EveNZ Consultancy. For further information please visit www.trailseries.co.nz

`Financial Burden' On Objectors

2010-06-24T12:28:00.002+12:00

Rehearing further `financial burden' on objectors
By Lynda Van Kempen, on Thursday 24 June 2010
Otago Daily Times

A rehearing of the Project Hayes case would impose a further financial burden on groups and individuals objecting to the wind farm, their counsel told the High Court yesterday.

Justices Lester Chisholm and John Fogarty have been hearing the appeal by Meridian Energy, the Central Otago District Council and the Otago Regional Council against the Environment Court's decision declining consents for Project Hayes.

Parties were asked, if the appeal was successful, whether they preferred a rehearing by the same or a different division of the Environment Court, or a reconsideration of the case by the Environment Court.

Justin Smith, who appears for the majority of the objectors, including two environmental groups, said the societies had already incurred a financial burden and a rehearing would add to that.

Justice Chisholm said the usual procedure, if the matter went back to the Environment Court, would be for the same section to consider it again.

If it was sent back for a re-hearing, the financial burden on objectors would probably be greater than any costs which might later be awarded, Mr Smith said.

Alastair Logan, appearing for the two councils, said he had no instructions about which course of action they would prefer.

Counsel for Meridian, Hugh Rennie, said his client sought whatever would give a "fair and just outcome", but it would be better if a different division considered it.

Landscape Seen As Issue On Final Day

2010-06-24T12:24:00.001+12:00

Landscape seen to be the issue on final day
By Lynda Van Kempen, on Thursday 24 June 2010
Otago Daily Times

Lammermoor Range, site of proposed wind farm. The value of the Lammermoor Range landscape dominated much of the discussion on the final day of the main appeal against the Environment Court's Project Hayes decision in the High Court at Dunedin yesterday.

Although landscape issues were not included in Meridian Energy's grounds for appeal against the decision declining consents for a 176-turbine wind farm, the topic was raised often in yesterday's submissions.

Meridian is asking for the Environment Court decision to be quashed, and its stance is supported by the two authorities who gave consents for the wind farm: the Central Otago District Council and Otago Regional Council.

The three-day hearing of the main appeal finished yesterday, and Justices Lester Chisholm and John Fogarty have reserved their decision.

Justice Chisholm said a decision on the case, which involved "difficult issues", would be issued as soon as possible.

A cross-appeal by Roch Sullivan, on the Project Hayes decision, will be heard today in the High Court at Dunedin.

Counsel for most of the wind-farm objectors, Justin Smith, said the Environment Court hearing was fundamentally a landscape case.

"The court's findings on landscape values are the backbone of the court's decision," he said.

Meridian's counsel Hugh Rennie said landscapes were not the central issue.

The main issue was a new test, imposed by the court, which set an impossible hurdle for any new development.

It required applicants to consider alternative sites, to the extent of providing a cost benefit analysis.

Contrary to what the respondents said earlier in the appeal hearing, Meridian had provided expert evidence on alternative sites, Mr Rennie said.

The Environment Court had spent much time assessing whether the wind-farm project was an efficient use of resources, but consent was not declined because of the court's findings on efficiency matters, Mr Smith said.

"It was declined because of findings of exceedingly high landscape and heritage values, which were not displaced by findings on efficiency."

Providing details about alternative sites and proposals was not a novel obligation, Mr Smith said.

When an applicant was looking at alternative sites when seeking resource consent for a discretionary activity, it could rapidly descend into a fine-grained analysis, Justice Fogarty said.

Any proposal in a rural landscape was likely to cause adverse effects, he said.

"Every site is going to be a kaleidoscope of good things and bad things," he said.

Comparing two sites could become a sophisticated exercise, he said.

"Where does it end?"

Reason For Hayes Ruling Ignored

2010-06-23T12:12:00.003+12:00

Reason for ruling ignored, say respondents
By Lynda Van Kempen, on Wednesday 23 June 2010
Otago Daily Times

Meridian Energy had ignored the fact the Environment Court decision on Project Hayes was about the protection of a nationally important landscape from an inappropriate development, the appeal hearing was told yesterday.

Counsel for most of the respondents, including the Maniototo Environmental Society and the Upland Landscape Protection Society, Justin Smith, said Meridian's appeal was based on "peripheral" issues.

He said Meridian's submission to the appeal hearing, in the Dunedin High Court this week, did not recognise the Environment Court's finding that the national economic benefits of the wind farm were outweighed by the adverse impact of the project on the outstanding natural landscape of the Lammermoors.

Meridian could have presented alternative wind farm sites for consideration, but did not do so.
"They said 'Trust me, this is the best'," Mr Smith said.

The Environment Court was seeking some comparison to see whether there were enough benefits in the Lammermoor Range site to justify imposing the adverse effects on the landscape, but Meridian did not provide any detailed comparison with other sites.

The energy company had failed to recognise the site was an outstanding landscape, he said.

The respondents continue their submissions today.

Wind-Farm Battle To Resume

2010-06-19T12:04:00.003+12:00

Wind-farm battle to resume
By Lynda Van Kempen, on Saturday 19 June 2010
Otago Daily Times

The next round in the battle to decide whether the southern hemisphere's largest wind farm should be constructed on the Lammermoor Range in Dunedin starts on Monday.

Five days have been set down for Meridian Energy's appeal against an Environment Court decision declining consents for the proposed $2 billion Project Hayes wind farm.

Justices Chisholm and Fogarty will preside over the hearing in the High Court at Dunedin and only points of law can be addressed in the appeal.

Any party unhappy with the result of the hearing can appeal the decision to the Court of Appeal.

Meridian planned a 176-turbine wind farm on 92sq km of land, making it the largest in the southern hemisphere with the capacity to produce about 630MW of energy each year: enough to power about 263,000 average homes.

In 2006, Meridian lodged resource consent applications for Project Hayes with the Central Otago District Council, and the following year with the Otago Regional Council.

Several individuals and environmental and recreational groups opposed the consents being granted and appealed to the Environment Court.

The 350-page Environment Court decision was released last November.

The court said the negative effects of the wind farm on the landscape, heritage and recreation outweighed the positive benefits to the region and to the country of providing a large quantity of renewable energy.

The court found the project was inappropriate in such an "outstanding natural landscape" and said it was extraordinary that no cost-benefit analysis had been done on the project.

Meridian's "failure to consider alternatives properly" was another factor towards declining consent the court decision said.

Parties involved in the hearing next week include the Central Otago District Council, Otago Regional Council, the Maniototo Environmental Society, Upland Landscape Protection Society, John, Sue and Andrew Douglas, Eric and Cate Laurenson, Ian and Sarah Manson, Gaelle Soguel Dit-Piquard, Ewan Carr and Roch Sullivan.

Call To Improve Water Quality

2010-05-29T09:46:00.003+12:00

Call for council to improve water quality
By John Edens, on Saturday 29 May 2010
Southland Times

Public Health South yesterday called for the Central Otago District Council to improve the sediment-laden drinking water supply in Lake Roxburgh Village.

But the council has missed out on government funding and residents face continuing contamination of the water supply from the Clutha River.

The council often issues boil water notices after heavy rain floods the river or Contact Energy lowers the Roxburgh hydro lake, which shifts sediment along the catchment to the dam and beyond. About 60 houses are affected.

The latest boil water notice was issued yesterday.

Southern District Health Board public health group manager Pip Stewart said the village's "undesirable" supply was below national drinking water standards and she encouraged the council to make improvements.

Last year the council applied for a $900,000 Health Ministry subsidy, to connect a new supply to the village from Roxburgh township.

The ministry turned down the grant bid, to review the cost and because a public health risk management plan approved an upgrade for the village, not a new scheme.

Ministry principal public health engineer Paul Prendergast said the department asked for the expensive grant bid to be reviewed and this was "not unusual".

In September, the Government announced its drinking-water subsidy scheme was on hold, which meant the council missed the latest round of grants.

Roxburgh Community Board chairman Stephen Jeffery this week travelled to Wellington with council water services manager Peter Greenwood to ask the ministry whether another grant bid was feasible.

Mr Jeffery said the meeting was unsuccessful and it was impossible to say whether funding was available.

When asked whether the council made a mistake in its application, he said "you could say that" but one could also argue a cash-strapped ministry chose to selectively interpret the grant bid.

He said he accepted water supply upgrades were needed and he was urgently pushing for change.

Phil and Kim Winterbottom, the owners of Lake Roxburgh Lodge, said there were numerous unanswered questions regarding moves by the council to secure funding.

Mr Winterbottom said he was aghast the council planned to use water meters to bill ratepayers on large sections when the village supply was "Third World".

Mrs Winterbottom said it was simple – residents were entitled to a clean supply of drinking water but there appeared to be no accountability. "We should be able to turn the tap on and drink the water but we can't."

THE RUNDOWN
Lake Roxburgh Village
Domestic connections: 60
Built: 1960s
Water production: 150 cubic metres a day
Estimated cost to upgrade: $500,000.

Village Furious Over "Dirty" Water

2010-05-22T10:35:00.007+12:00

Village furious over 'dirty' water
By John Edens, on Saturday 22 May 2010
Southland Times

Lake Roxburgh Village residents are furious because of continuing contamination of the water supply from the sediment-laden Clutha River.

The Central Otago District Council issued a boil water notice on April 28 after heavy rain flooded the Clutha River and Contact Energy lowered the Roxburgh hydro lake, shifting sediment along the catchment to the dam and beyond.

Water was "extremely dirty" and residents were told to boil drinking water until further notice.

Lake Roxburgh Lodge, run by Phil and Kim Winterbottom, continued to boil water for family and guests almost a month after the heavy rain.

Mrs Winterbottom said she used boiled water more often than not.

"We're constantly having to boil water to supply bottled water for guests.

"It's clogged up all the water filters so it's costing us money," she said.

It was a citizen's right to expect a clean, efficient water supply in a developed country and the Central Otago District Council should do more to help, she said.

The Roxburgh Village has about 60 connections, supplied by a filtration and chlorination system that draws water from the hydro lake.

Roxburgh township has 460 connections on a separate supply, which has been granted $400,000 from the Health Ministry for an upgrade.

Roxburgh Community Board chairman Stephen Jeffery said he was travelling to Wellington this week to discuss a grant application with the ministry.

The village's water supply was "shocking" but it was not an easy fix because of the cost, he said.

Central Otago District Council water services manager Peter Greenwood said the council was applying for a $287,000 subsidy to upgrade the village water supply with a new ultraviolet filtration system.

Funding from the council would contribute to a proposed $415,000 pot.

The existing filters were overwhelmed by sediment and not capable of handling high flows, he said.

"It doesn't have the ability to move solids, the only way to do it is to put extra treatment in.

"It's a matter of whether the Government is prepared to chip in."

The council has provided a treated-water tanker near the village hall.

Proof Of Sediment Flushing Sought

2010-05-20T10:20:00.006+12:00

Proof of sediment flushing sought
By John Edens, on Thursday 20 May 2010
Southland Times

Contact Energy should provide proof of sediment flushing in the Clutha catchment, the president of the Alexandra District Flood Action Society said yesterday.

During the floods last month, when Lake Wakatipu spilled into Queenstown, Contact monitored heavy flows at Alexandra and downstream of the Roxburgh dam.

Spillways were opened and Lake Roxburgh dropped by 6m to cope with rising river levels.

By reducing the lake level, combined with fast flows, it creates a steeper gradient from Alexandra to the Roxburgh dam and sediment is flushed further up Lake Roxburgh and beyond, according to Contact.

Alexandra District Flood Action Society president Stan Randle yesterday said he disputed flushing claims because he could not obtain hydrological data.

"They say it's successful but we don't know. To my mind it's like a sand dune effect.

"It's so open-ended and tenuous " Mr Randle said.

He called for Contact to provide proof of sediment flushing.

A Contact Energy spokeswoman said the firm planned to commission a lakebed survey next July to measure the amount of sediment flushed from Lake Roxburgh.

During the flood last month Clutha river readings were higher downstream of the Roxburgh dam than at Alexandra, indicating "flushing was successful," she said.

The Southland Times asked Contact for the last lakebed hydrological survey, carried out in July last year, and was told "No." "The survey comprises a large amount of numerical data which can really only be used to build up a long term trend," a statement says.

In 2007 the Environment Court granted Contact consents to operate at Clyde, Roxburgh and Hawea for 35 years.

The firm agreed to offer compensation to any Alexandra residents affected by flood during Contact operations.

There is no specific consent stipulating flushing of the Clutha but the consents allow the lowering of Lake Roxburgh, in accordance with the district's flood management plan.

The energy firm said flushing was done during high flows between April 26 and May 13.

Sediment buildup in the Clutha increased after the Roxburgh dam was built in 1956.

Funding Sought For Lawrence Trail

2010-05-15T10:09:00.002+12:00

Funding sought for Lawrence trail
By John Edens, on Saturday 15 May 2010
Southland Times

A proposed cycle trail from Roxburgh to Lawrence would be a top-class tourism destination, Otago Regional Council members were told this week.

The Clutha Gold Trail, and a second proposed route from Alexandra to Roxburgh, were among 13 awarded initial government funding as part of a planned national cycleway network.

During a hearing for submissions on the council's 2010-11 draft annual plan held in Cromwell, councillors were asked to contribute to the Lawrence cycleway.

Clutha Gold Trail Trust chairman Rod Peirce told councillors the annual plan did not provide funding for district projects that benefited the regional economy.

The trust was seeking funding and members had started negotiations with landowners, the Department of Conservation and Land Information New Zealand, Mr Peirce said.

The development of the trail would provide a top-class cycleway and benefit the regional and rural economies, he said.

Councillors adjourned the draft annual plan hearings.

The proposed 73km trail would meander along the true left of the Clutha River between the Roxburgh dam and Lawrence.

New Projects Will Mean Price Rise

2010-05-10T14:20:00.003+12:00

New projects will mean price rise - Contact
By Lynda Van Kempen, on Monday 10 May 2010
Otago Daily Times

Contact's Clutha hydro project manager, Neil Gillespie, told a recent business forum in Alexandra that the energy company was still considering community issues and refining the cost of the four hydro scheme options for development on the river.

Dams are proposed at Luggate, Queensberry, Tuapeka Mouth and Beaumont.

No decision had been made on the preferred option or options.

"The cost is one of the significant issues, and the return for that cost," he said.

Cost estimates ranged from $350 million to $1.5 billion.

"There's a long construction time, so a long lead-in period before you make any money and we're still refining our costs to see if the projects are viable," Mr Gillespie said at the Otago Chamber of Commerce forum which aimed to give an overview of Central Otago in the year 2020.

"The key thing is under the current estimates, the price of power would have to go up to make the projects viable and that's about as palatable as a lot of other things, like a rates increase."

After the forum, Mr Gillespie said the comment about power prices related to any new generation schemes, not just the hydro schemes.

Contact Energy communications adviser Louise Griffin said any form of new electricity generation was expensive to construct and power prices would need to increase to make any new generation viable.

"Growing demand for electricity means we will need new power stations, which are more expensive to build and run, than existing power stations," she said.

New Zealand electricity prices reflected the cost of providing electricity and the cost of building new generation to meet this country's demand for power in the future.

A Contact Energy booklet on electricity prices said the New Zealand electricity market was unique in that most generation was from renewable sources and New Zealand was an isolated market with no means of importing or exporting electricity.

New power stations were more expensive to run than existing power stations, Contact said in the booklet.

The cost of energy for future electricity generation options was rising and the energy component in tariffs would have to increase to make new hydro and wind generation schemes viable.

Mr Gillespie told the forum that new hydro generation on the Clutha would meet the future demand for power and would complement wind-generated power schemes - "when the wind is blowing you can store water and not use your hydro resource".

Regardless of where any new generation scheme was located, or what it was, there would be detractors, he said.

However, with the growth in the region, there would continue to be a growing demand for electricity, which had to be met.

Contact Decision Not Likely This Year

2010-05-06T13:04:00.002+12:00

Clutha hydro decision not likely until next year
By Cris Johnston, on Thursday 6 May 2010
The Southland Times

It could be next year before Contact Energy makes a decision on future hydro-electric development on the Clutha River.

The company publicly revealed details of plans to reinvestigate four potential new dam sites at Luggate, Queensberry, Beaumont and the Tuapeka Mouth in 2008.

Initial consultation included the set up of a website for public comment about the proposals estimated to cost between $300 million and $1.5 billion.

Contact Energy hydro manager Neil Gillespie said yesterday the company had envisaged making an announcement on its preferred choice "about now" but there was still a lot more work to do.

"You could say a decision is still some time away – it could be late this year or even into next year, I am loathe to put a time on it," Mr Gillespie said.

"At this stage there is no preferred option."

During the past year he had met community representatives from the four areas and last month attended an inter agency meeting held by the Guardians of Lake Wanaka where the proposal for the Luggate dam, the smallest of the four options was discussed.

Aware of concerns about the proposed dam Mr Gillespie said constraints of the Lake Wanaka Preservation Act meant the level of the Luggate reservoir would not be able to exceed 271m above sea level.

Enacted in 1973 the Act prevents control of Lake Wanaka levels and the natural flow of the Clutha River between its source at the lake outlet and its confluence with the Cardrona River. "Nothing can breach that Act. With the Luggate option we would have to comply with the existing piece of legislation. The Luggate dam was consented in the late 1980s under the same constraints," he said.

High Lakes Will Not Lower Prices

2010-05-05T08:47:00.003+12:00

High lakes will not lower prices
By Matthew Haggart, on Wednesday 5 May 2010
Otago Daily Times

High lake levels and increased river flows may be giving Contact Energy bumper conditions to generate power at its Clutha River hydro-electric schemes, but the full lakes are unlikely to mean a reduction in retail electricity prices.

Contact Clutha generation manager Graham Quinn said the company could not use all the water flowing down the Clutha River for generation at its Clyde and Roxburgh hydro stations.

"We're still spilling water at both the Clyde and Roxburgh dams and we're likely to spill for quite a few days yet," he said.

Increased river flows in the Kawarau and Clutha Rivers, which drain from their respective feeder lakes of Wakatipu and Wanaka, have enabled Contact Energy to keep levels high at Lake Hawea, which has a dam controlling outflows.

Lake Hawea's level yesterday was less than a metre under its statutory prescribed upper limit of 346m above sea level and began to plateau about 345.25m yesterday.

"[Lake Hawea] is a little bit over what it would normally be for this time of year," Mr Quinn said.

The 346m mark is prescribed as the lake's upper limit by the terms of Contact's resource consent for the Lake Hawea dam, issued by the Otago Regional Council, Mr Quinn said.

Contact controls the outflow of the lake and can raise or lower the Hawea River, which joins the Clutha River further downstream.

The flow down the Hawea River last night was 13.5cumecs compared with a flow reading at the Clutha and Cardrona confluence of 568cumecs.

Despite the high river levels contributing to a surplus of water at the Clutha hydro-generation schemes at Clyde and Roxburgh, it was unlikely retail power prices would fall, Mr Quinn said.

Electricity generated by the two stations was fed into the national power grid "straight away" and only affected wholesale power prices.

Retail electricity customers were insulated from any rise and fall in the spot price for "wholesale" electricity suppliers, he said.

The high river flows meant Contact could store water at its Clutha dams and prolong its ability to generate electricity during winter, he said.

Lake Hawea would be held in reserve as the level of the Clutha River "slowly" dropped because Lakes Wanaka and Wakatipu were dropping, Mr Quinn said.

The level of Lake Wanaka was 278.808m above sea level at 2pm yesterday and Lake Wakatipu was 311.319m at 2pm.

The "possible flood level" in Queenstown is 311.300m.

Water Levels Fall

2010-04-29T13:34:00.003+12:00

Water levels fall short of previous highs
By Lynda Van Kempen, on Thursday 29 April 2010
Otago Daily Times

Contact Energy generation manager Graham Quinn said although flows were "reasonably high", they were nowhere near the flood levels of 1994, 1995 and 1999.

"We're less than a third of those levels," he said.

"We probably don't need all four spillways open at Clyde, but it gives us an even flow."

Spilling water regulated the level of Lake Dunstan and Lake Roxburgh.

The mean flow of the Clutha at Clyde is 490cumecs and the river was flowing at 1068cumecs at 3pm yesterday.

"We'll be keeping a close eye on those [weather] fronts forecast in the next few days and are very much in a `wait and see' mode at this stage, to see how much more rain there is upstream," he said.

The dams could cope with a much greater flow than at present, but it was relatively unusual to have to spill water in late autumn.

It happened mostly in spring, Mr Quinn said.

One of the positive spin-offs from the increased flow was that flushing of sediment from Lake Roxburgh could occur.

Contact had dropped the level of Lake Roxburgh by 6m on Monday and flushing had been carried out since then.

Lowering the level of the lake speeds up the velocity of the water passing over it and as it moves, it scours out the sediment and moves it downstream.

As part of its consents issued in 2005 to continue operating the Roxburgh and Clyde hydro dams, Contact was required to reduce the volume of sediment in Lake Roxburgh and in the Manuherikia River, to help mitigate the risk of flooding during high flows.

The optimum time to flush sediment was when the river flow was about 1100cumecs, so it was " a bit marginal now" but still worth doing, Mr Quinn said.

Otago Regional Council environmental information and science director John Threlfall said Lakes Wakatipu and Wanaka were "pumping up the Clutha" but there was no concern about the level of the Manuherikia river.

The Clutha River at Balclutha was flowing at 1083.7cumecs at 5.30pm yesterday, which is down on Tuesdays level of 1141.6cumecs.

Clutha District Council Civil Defence officer Selwyn Vigers said river levels on the Clutha were being monitored, and he did not believe there was anything to worry about.

Mr Vigers said he was aware about 1100cumecs was being passed through Roxburgh dam.
"When you add that to the Pomahaka, that's what we're getting - about 1200cumecs down here [in Balclutha]," he said.

"We are monitoring it through the day ... and at the moment, there is not a lot going on."
The Department of Conservation has lifted the high alert warning issued during the weekend in relation to the Young Valley landslip dam.

Backcountry users may now return to the Gillespie Pass Circuit Track in Mt Aspiring National Park but should be prepared for adverse conditions, particularly the high rivers and streams in the region, Doc Wanaka community relations manager Annette Smith said yesterday.

Lake Roxburgh Dropped 6m

2010-04-28T10:18:00.003+12:00

Lake Roxburgh dropped by 6m to cope with rising flood levels in Clutha
By John Edens, on Wednesday 28 April 2010
Southland Times

Contact Energy dropped Lake Roxburgh by six metres in the 24 hours to yesterday afternoon to cope with rising flood levels in the Clutha River after heavy rain.

The Otago Regional Council recorded 1141 cubic metres per second at Balclutha yesterday, almost triple the flow of a few days ago when the river dipped below 400 cumecs. The ORC's first flood warning was triggered after the flow reached 1140 cumecs.

Alexandra District Flood Action Society president Stan Randle said water was some distance from breaching the Millenium track, which runs beside the Clutha between Alexandra and Clyde.

"As far as I'm concerned, as long as water doesn't go on to the track it's a good indicator Contact are within guidelines."

The Narrows – about 2km from the confluence of the Manuherikia and Clutha rivers towards Roxburgh – was the main bottleneck, he said.

When a peak flow in the Manuherikia occurs during a high flow in the Clutha, then floods will be worse. This happened in 1978, January 1994 and December 1995.

Flood barriers were built to protect Alexandra from a flood crest of 143.25m, 1m above the highest previous flood peak in November 1999.

Contact Energy generation manager Graham Quinn said spillways were opened on Monday to drop Lake Roxburgh from 131.75m above sea level to 125.75m in 24 hours.

Heavy flows were harnessed to flush out sediment in the river and on the Lake Roxburgh bed, especially around The Narrows, he said.

Contact Energy dispatch trader Kirk Pritchard said the four Clyde dam spillways discharged 360 cumecs. Two of three spillways at Roxburgh dam were also opened.

By reducing the lake level, combined with fast flows, it creates a steeper gradient from Alexandra to the dam and sediment was flushed further up Lake Roxburgh and beyond. Sediment in the Clutha increased after the Roxburgh dam was built in 1956.

Transpower Gets Go-Ahead For Upgrade

2010-04-27T10:51:00.004+12:00

Transpower Gets Go-Ahead For South Island Upgrade
By Pattrick Smellie, on Tuesday 27 April 2010
Stuff.co.nz

Big new wind and hydro-electricity project proposals in the lower South Island got a shot in the arm today, with Transpower gaining approval from the Electricity Commission to proceed with a $170 million upgrade to the national grid between the Waitaki and Clutha river systems.

Transpower, the state-owned national grid operator, applied last November to undertake the upgrade, which the commission decided was necessary if some of the renewable projects planned in the deep south were to be built.

The project will see five sections of the grid between Roxburgh and Twizel (upgraded) and will allow Transpower to recover up to a total of $197 million from electricity generators and consumers, in 2015 dollars, for the project.

"There is the potential for very large wind farms to be constructed in the lower South Island region, which may be more economic than constructing generation elsewhere in New Zealand due to economies of scale," the commission decision said.

"The Clutha hydro schemes proposed by Contact Energy Limited, and North Bank Tunnel hydro scheme proposed by Meridian Energy, may be the most cost-effective generation options available for large hydro projects.

The commission's analysis showed that enabling such options "provided substantial benefit", even with higher costs.

"A key reason for the benefit is that new lower South Island hydro, backed by storage, would provide firm capacity which would contribute to meeting peak demand. Both hydro and wind can also provide bulk low-cost energy."

The commission also disagreed with Transpower's assumption that generators would build substantial new renewable plant in the lower South Island if the grid upgrade did not go ahead.

"Developers are understandably reluctant to construct new generation behind an export constraint," it concluded.

The commission asked Transpower to check whether the Rio Tinto-owned aluminium smelter at Bluff would consider voluntary load reductions when generation capacity was required elsewhere in the country.

It was not, and this provided further rationale for approving the upgrade.

The project is one of many now occurring to restore the capacity in the national grid after a long period of under-investment.

Most critical is restoration of full capacity on the Cook Strait cable.

Energy Minister Gerry Brownlee turned first earth on that upgrade, the so-called Pole 3 project, last week.

Clutha River Features In Documentary

2010-04-21T13:51:00.002+12:00

Clutha River features in documentary
By John Edens, on Tuesday 20 April 2010
The Southland Times

The Clutha River was the star of the show yesterday during filming of a $760,000 documentary series exploring New Zealand waterways.

Rivers, produced by South Pacific Pictures for Prime TV, is presented by photographer and conservationist Craig Potton.

Five one-hour episodes will explore South Island rivers the Clutha, the Clarence near Kaikoura, Mokihinui on the West Coast, Rangitata in Canterbury, as well as the Waikato in the central North Island.

The crew filmed at the Clyde Dam yesterday when Contact Energy opened one of four spillway gates.

Potton said his aim was to explore each waterway from a personal perspective, focusing on natural history, conservation and the lives of those affected by rivers.

Maori history and mythology, European settlement, goldmining and the modification of rivers, typified by hydro schemes, all fed into the documentary, he said.

Rivers were often treated poorly, farming threatened habitats and native species while some waterways were treated "like ditches".

But it was important to strive for honesty and include the good with the bad, Potton said.

"We're really still learning, finding new species, we're not treating water well in New Zealand."

A national conversation about protecting water was emerging but it had not grabbed the imagination in the same manner as mountains, tussock and wetlands, he said.

Clutha episode director Leon Sefton said South Pacific Pictures aimed to broadcast the series by the end of the year.

The crew will be filming the Clutha episode this week, making their way to the mouth of the fast-flowing river at Molyneux Bay.

Last weekend filming took place at Lake Wakatipu, Moke Creek near Queenstown, and around Lake Dunstan.

Clutha Filmed For River Series

2010-04-21T13:45:00.002+12:00

Clutha filmed for rivers series
By Lynda Van Kempen, on Tuesday 20 April 2010
Otago Daily Times

Native fish such as galaxiids should be valued as much as the kiwi and other native birds, says Craig Potton, who is in Central Otago this week filming the Clutha River episode of a television documentary.

The photographer and publisher is writing and presenting the series titled Rivers.

South Pacific Pictures Ltd is producing the five-part series and the Clutha is one of four South Island rivers being featured.

"I think they've got the balance right - there's four South Island rivers and one from the North Island," Mr Potton said.

He is based in Nelson and describes himself as an environmentalist.

"The idea is to take a person on a journey, and meeting people along the way, learning about the natural history and certain elements of the river," he said.

The Clarence River near Kaikoura, Rangitata River in Canterbury, Mokihinui River on the South Island's West Coast and the Waikato River in the central North Island feature as well as the Clutha.

Mr Potton said because native fish were "out of sight", they seemed to be valued less than native birds like the kiwi, New Zealand pigeon and fantail.

"The complexity of fish life is amazing and every bit as deserving of our respect and love as native birds.

"We certainly wouldn't treat our native birds as badly as we treat native fish," he said.

The episode will cover the wider catchment area of the Clutha, including all the tributaries, and is likely to screen in spring or autumn on Prime television.

Despite claiming New Zealand was "100% pure and green", a whole range of rubbish was thrown into this country's rivers, Mr Potton said.

Dairying was taking a horrifying toll on the country's waterways but he hoped people were becoming more aware of the importance of protecting rivers.

The crew would be filming for eight days in the Clyde district and yesterday's footage included a piece about the Clyde dam.

Contact Energy opened one spillway on the dam for about five minutes so coverage of that could be included.

Mr Potton said Moke Creek's gold prospecting history and the inspiration the Clutha provided to artists and composer Dame Gillian Whitehead would also be included in the Clutha episode.

It would cover glimpses into certain aspects of the Clutha - "in a sense, my impressions of the river", he said.

Clutha River To Star In Documentary

2010-04-09T11:39:00.010+12:00

River to be star of the show
By Rosie Manins, on Friday 9 April 2010
Otago Daily Times

The Clutha River will be the subject of a television documentary being presented by renowned New Zealand photographer and publisher Craig Potton.

Filming for the documentary series Rivers is already under way at other sites throughout the country, and production crews expect to be based in Central Otago from April 15-23.

Upper Clutha River

South Pacific Pictures Ltd is producing the five-episode series, which will focus on five significant waterways in the country.

As well as the Clutha River, episodes will feature the Clarence River near Kaikoura, Rangitata River in Canterbury, Mokihinui River on the South Island's west coast, and Waikato River in the central North Island.

The Clutha episode will comprise information about the river's history, as well as the different towns and rural sites reliant on it as a resource.

Interviews with locals will be included in the episode, which may also highlight the main local industries such as gold, wine, tourism, and fruit.

Producer Stephen McQuillan, of Auckland, said it was an exciting project to be involved with.

Filming began around the Mokihinui five weeks ago, he said.

"It's not often you get to work on something with such a rich history. The filming trips themselves are amazing. One of the difficulties with a shoot like this is we could easily make a five-hour series on just one river as there's so many stories, so it's a difficult process to pare each episode back," he said.

Mr McQuillan said Mr Potton's photography was an integral part of why he was chosen to present the series, as well as his vast knowledge about the rivers being featured.

"He's the vice-president of Forest and Bird and a well-known conservationist, and is a very engaging guy as well. He comes with a huge amount of knowledge on the rivers of New Zealand and the associated flora and fauna, and has been heavily involved in the research and scripting components of the project," Mr McQuillan said.

Mr Potton, of Nelson, was filming yesterday and not available to comment.

The series of five one-hour episodes is due to be screened on Prime television, although broadcasting dates have yet to be confirmed.

New Zealand On Air provided $762,000 of funding for the project.

Mr McQuillan said filming would finish at the end of April or in early May, and editing should be completed by August.

Cycle Trails Gain Council Support

2010-04-03T09:54:00.001+13:00

Cycle trails gain initial support
By Rosie Manins, on Saturday 3 April 2010

Further support in principle has been confirmed by the Central Otago District Council for the proposed Roxburgh Gorge and Clutha Gold cycle trails.

Council business development manager Jonathan Gadd presented a report to the district development committee this week, highlighting options in relation to the trails.

The trails were among 13 to receive initial government funding from 54 concept trails nationwide as part of the New Zealand Cycle Trail Project.

If both trails were approved for construction, $5.8 million of government funding would be provided towards the estimated total construction cost of $8.5 million.

Mr Gadd recommended the committee support both proposed trails in principle, which included an agreement to underwrite their annual maintenance costs until a time when that was no longer deemed necessary.

About $60,000 was needed to complete a feasibility study for the Roxburgh Gorge Trail, and Mr Gadd recommended the committee also agree to provide up to $45,000 of the cost.

A full feasibility study and business plan for the Clutha Gold Trail was almost complete, so did not need the council's help.

The committee members resolved to approve all Mr Gadd's recommendations.

The council's backing would provide some confidence for the Government at this stage, although actual requests for maintenance or feasibility costs would have to be formally presented to the council.

It was estimated maintenance for each trail would be between $50,000 and $150,000 a year.

Mr Gadd said it was unlikely any costs would have to be realised before the 2011-12 year.

Both trails were intended to be self-sustaining in the long run, and would contribute an estimated $3.5 million in annual gross domestic profit throughout Central Otago, Mr Gadd said.

The Otago Central Rail Trail generated as much each year, and provided about 75 equivalent full-time jobs, he said.

"The addition of 100km of cycleway linking directly to the Otago Central Rail Trail has the potential to double the user numbers of cycle trail riders to Central Otago, as well as creating new opportunities for walking, and will benefit all communities along the existing and new trails," Mr Gadd's report stated.

He proposed rates should be at a district level if the council agreed to provide financial support.

Underwriting of $150,000 would raise the district rate components by about $12 a year for the 12,330 ratepayers.

Committee member John Lane questioned whether the rate increase should be district-wide, as the trails were not within the Cromwell or Maniototo wards.

Mr Gadd said benefits would flow throughout the district, and without financial help from all ratepayers, supporting both trails would not be sustainable.

He said without the council's support, it was unlikely either trail could progress to construction.

"Central Otago has the opportunity to obtain nearly $6 million in government funding to assist in the construction of the two trails. This will not happen without the assistance requested now and the ongoing support and expertise of council officers and elected members," Mr Gadd said.

ALONG THE RIVER
• Roxburgh Gorge Trail: 33km cycleway along the true right of the Clutha River between Alexandra and the Roxburgh dam, linking at either end to the Otago Central Rail Trail and proposed Clutha Gold Trail.
• Clutha Gold Trail: 73km cycleway along the true left of the Clutha River between the Roxburgh dam and Lawrence, linking at Roxburgh to the proposed Roxburgh Gorge Trail.

Clutha Dam Protest On Luggate Bridge

2010-04-01T11:06:00.022+13:00

Clutha Dam protest on Luggate Bridge
By Molyneux Rush, on Thursday 1st April 2010
Otago Daily Times (removed from source)

Residents of the Upper Clutha are bemused by a new sign that has appeared on the Luggate Bridge.

Overnight, the Luggate Bridge has become a protest banner.

In an act reminiscent of the ‘Hands Off Beaumont’ slogan painted on the side of the Cromwell Gorge in the 1990’s, protestors opposed to further dams on the Clutha River have painted ‘No More Dams’ on the side of the Luggate Bridge.

A year ago, Contact Energy outlined proposed options for dams at Tuapeka Mouth, Beaumont, Queensberry and Luggate, costing up to $1.5 billion. Recently, the power company stated that it will announce its preferred option in the latter half of the year.

Last October, the Clutha River Forum – an alliance of several groups opposed to further dams on the Clutha River, launched an ‘Option 5 – No More Dams’ campaign, a reference to Contact Energy’s four dam options.

Members of the Clutha River Forum include the Upper Clutha River Guardians, the Clutha Mata-Au River Parkway Group, the Central Otago Environmental Society, Save Central, the Beaumont Residents’ Group, the Lower Clutha River Guardians, and Forest and Bird (Dunedin & Central Otago).

All of these groups have denied responsibility for the Luggate Bridge ‘No More Dams’ sign.

Contractors are currently repainting the iconic Red Bridge and have covered it with a fabric containment system. They arrived at work yesterday morning to find that the white cover on the NW side of the bridge had been turned into a banner. One worker, who didn’t wish to be named, said:

“Whoever it was, they must have accessed the side of the bridge using ropes because we found one left behind. We also found a compressor hose that doesn’t belong to us, so they used spray paint.”

A motorist reported seeing a group of people on the bridge after midnight but thought they were contractors working overtime to finish the bridge before Easter. Hours earlier, a Luggate resident saw “several students” parked near the bridge with a trailer covered in a blue tarpaulin.

A spokesperson for Contact Energy said that the power company was appalled by such “blatant environmental vandalism.”

The bridge painting contractors have been asked by “the powers that be” to remove the banner before it is seen by tens of thousands of people travelling to attend the Warbirds Over Wanaka airshow this Easter, which begins tomorrow, April 2nd.

Enthusiasm For Clutha River Track

2010-03-27T12:03:00.007+13:00

Enthusiastic response to Clutha River Track
By Marjorie Cook, on Saturday 27 March 2010
Otago Daily Times

A new section of the Clutha River Track will be officially opened at 10am today at Pawson's Crossing, Albert Town, but the track is already being used by large groups of cyclists and walkers.

The Upper Clutha Tracks Trust and Department of Conservation recently finished the 2.5km section linking Albert Town to Stevenson's Rd. There the track joins Reko's Point track to Shortcut Rd at Luggate.

Cyclists Roger and Sandra Cain, of Dunedin, were this week enjoying the track with friends for the first time and they all gave it a rave review.

The track was "excellent", "very well done" and "a great idea", they said.
The track's completion means people can now undertake an off-road cycle or walk of about 25km from Wanaka's lakefront to Luggate, following the lake shore and Clutha River all the way.

An off-road trip of similar distance is also possible from Lake Hawea to Luggate.

The new section of the Upper Clutha River Track was completed for $65,000.

It is the most challenging part of the track and traverses the Halliday Bluffs for 500m before rising on to natural terraces above the river.

Funding is being sought to continue the track to Luggate Creek.

Eventually, it will form part of the Clutha Mata-Au River Parkway from Lake Wanaka to Balclutha.

The Upper Clutha Tracks Trust will celebrate the opening informally at Pawson's Crossing - the new bridge across the Cardrona River just up from the confluence with the Clutha.

The public is invited to join in and then walk or bike along the track.

Among those attending today's opening is Alexander Reko Hesselin (known as Mick), who is a descendant of the Maori chief Reko, who in 1853 guided the first European, farmer Nathaniel Chalmers to Wanaka.

Third Leg Of Clutha River Track Ready

2010-03-27T11:20:00.006+13:00

Third leg of Upper Clutha River track ready
By Cris Johntson, on Saturday 27 March 2010
Southland Times

A descendant of Maori chief Reko who in 1853 guided a farmer to what is believed to be the first European sighting of Wanaka will be the guest of honour at the opening of the Upper Clutha River track this morning.

The 13km track from Albert Town to Luggate's Shortcut Rd is the third in a series created by the Upper Clutha Tracks Trust and was constructed in conjunction with the Department of Conservation.

It completes the network of tracks from Glendhu Bay and Lake Hawea to the Clutha River and through the Rekos Point Conservation Area to Shortcut Rd.

DOC Wanaka area manager Paul Hellebrekers said the track had a rich history dating back to early Maori exploration followed by a period of goldmining and farming.

Chief Reko guided Clutha district farmer Nathaniel Chalmers over an inland route from Otago arriving at what is now the track site.

An area along the cycling and walking route "Rekos Point" had been named after the guide. A descendent, Alexandra (Mick) Reko Hesslin would attend the opening as a special guest, Mr Hellebrekers said.

Mike Allison of the Central Lakes Trust, one of the key funders of the project will perform opening ceremony duties.

"The opening of this track is made possible thanks to the patience and determination of members of the Upper Clutha Tracks Trust," Mr Hellebrekers said. "Their foresight in undertaking this project in conjunction with the department is a real conservation and recreational gain for the region. "I hope many people will take the opportunity to get out and enjoy it."

Today's opening ceremony will be held at 10am at Pawsons Crossing Bridge on the Cardrona River at Albert Town. Access is from Kinneberg St.

Contact Clutha Decision Later This Year

2010-03-24T10:02:00.001+13:00

Contact Clutha decision later this year
By Lynda Van Kempen, on Wednesday 24 March 2010
Otago Daily Times

Contact Energy still has some homework to do before making a decision on its preferred option or options for hydro-electric development on the Clutha River.

Just over a year ago, the power company outlined details of proposed options for dams at Tuapeka Mouth, Queensberry, Luggate and Beaumont, costing between $300 million and $1.5 billion.

It sought feedback on the options, saying there was no "preferred option" at that stage.

Contact hydro project manager Neil Gillespie said yesterday the company was still carrying out background studies into the potential impacts and benefits of the various options, ahead of making an "informed decision" on its preferred choice.

It was likely to make its decision in the latter half of this year.

"We will not be rushing into a decision - we'll be working through it in a considered manner, looking at all the factors," Mr Gillespie said.

"We're continuing to talk to the various groups and individuals in the communities affected; that's been really useful."

Mr Gillespie has talked to a diverse range of organisations, including Grey Power in Balclutha, the Millers Flat residents' and ratepayers' group and the Roxburgh Rotary Club.

The background studies included investigations on roading, economic, environmental and social impacts, transmission requirements and energy production from each option.

The schemes were first mooted more than 20 years ago and all originated from proposals by Contact's predecessor, the Electricity Corporation of New Zealand.

Boost for Otago Cycleway Proposals

2010-02-12T15:35:00.001+13:00

Boost for Otago cycleway proposals
By James Beech, on Friday 12 Feb 2010
Otago Daily Times

Cycle trails across Otago will bring almost $10.4 million in construction work to the province and many millions more in tourism-related earnings if approved.

The Ministry of Tourism yesterday named four Otago trails among 13 selected nationally for feasibility studies in phase two of the New Zealand Cycle Trail project.

They include the Wakatipu Trail, the Roxburgh Gorge Trail, the Clutha Gold Trail, and the Alps to the Ocean Cycle Trail.

They were selected by legal, engineering, business and cycling industry specialists from 54 national applications lodged in December.

The other successful trails were in Tauranga, Opotiki-Gisborne, Rotorua, Taupo, Ruapehu, Hawkes Bay, Nelson-Tasman, Westport and Greymouth.

If all 13 extra cycleways are approved, a national network of 2000km of trails could be created, including the "Quick Start" trails, announced by Prime Minister John Key last July.

The ministry's technical assessment group found the 13 concepts were the "stand-out winners" when all applications were assessed on factors including economic benefits and the "wow factor".

Wakatipu Trails Trust chief executive Kaye Parker yesterday said the finished Wakatipu Trail - 109km long and incorporating existing and potential routes between Queenstown, Arrowtown and Gibbston - could generate an extra $22 million, based on cyclists staying for an average of four nights en route.

The trust believed it could take 10% of the national market.

The easy-graded Wakatipu trail would cost $3.6 million.

The Government would contribute $1.8 million and the Wakatipu community, with the trails trust as facilitator and advocate, would find the other $1.8 million.

"We've already spoken to several community trusts and the [Queenstown Lakes District] council has allocated $300,000 over the next three years to the development of the trails," Mrs Parker said.

"The trust must find $600,000 over the next three years and we've already planned a fundraising run, walk or bike ride from Jacks Point to Jardine Park, on March 25."

Trust patron Sir Eion Edgar said the economic boost the cycleway would bring to the district would be "very considerable and sustainable".

The figure to raise was a good challenge, but he was confident it could be achieved, he said.

Destination Queenstown considered the proposed trail a "significant regional asset" and a great opportunity to further promote the area to domestic, Australian and long-haul audiences.

New chief executive Tony Everitt said cycleways were a growing market which catered to all abilities and ages.

"It's also anticipated that the trail could attract higher yielding and longer staying visitors; those who come to cycle the trail and then stay on in the region for a few days after, or before, and encourage repeat visitation."

Proponents of the two proposed new Central Otago trails hailed the selection and accompanying feasibility funding as "tremendous news", and said the fact the trails could link into the Otago Central Rail Trail had obviously influenced the decision-makers.

The link incorporating the Clutha Gold Trail, between Roxburgh and Lawrence, and the Roxburgh Gorge Trail, between Alexandra and Roxburgh, will result in a dedicated cycling and walking track from Middlemarch to Lawrence.

If the figures in the feasibility study stack up, $3.8 million has been granted for construction of the Clutha Gold trail and $2 million for the Roxburgh Gorge one.

Central Otago District Council district development manager Anne Pullar said the new trails would be a boost for the district.

"There's been so much energy put into the planning of these trails by community-minded people who had a really strong vision of how this could succeed.

"This is an endorsement of their work, and particularly good news for the Teviot Valley" Ms Pullar said.

"Central Otago is known as the place for cycling and mountain biking and we're delighted to see some money coming to the district to further develop this."

Clutha Gold Trail Trust chairman Rod Peirce admitted to being "a bit emotional" after hearing the news.

"It's hard to believe it's all coming to fruition after all the work that's gone in."

The trust would re-look at its feasibility study and ensure the document met the requirements of cycle project authorities.

In North Otago, the Alps to Ocean trail - from Mt Cook to the Waitaki River mouth - has received feasibility funding, which committee chairman Mike Neilson described as "fantastic news".

The cycleway was an opportunity for the Waitaki and Mackenzie districts to share in being part of a nationally significant attraction.

Existing tracks could be linked with tracks close to the Waitaki lakes shorelines.

The seven "Quick Start" cycleways of Phase One included the Around the Mountains Cycle Trail.

The 175km track would run from Walter Peak Station, and head through Walter Peak and Mt Nicholas Stations along the Von Valley.

It would follow the Oreti River from Mossburn along the old railway line to Lumsden, then up to Athol and Garston to Kingston, with the potential for further links to Te Anau, Bluff and Clyde.

Feasibility studies for Phase Two were expected to be completed by May 31 for review by the group of specialists, which will make recommendations to the funding committee.

Applicants will then be asked to submit a final business case.

The cycleways to be built will be announced in October.

Two Clutha Trails In Lucky Thirteen

2010-02-11T10:05:00.004+13:00

Lucky Thirteen New Cycle Trails Planned
Voxy News Engine, on Thursday 11 February 2010

Thirteen cycle trails got the nod today to go through to feasibility studies for inclusion in Nga Haerenga, The New Zealand Cycle Trail project.

Described as the `stand-out winners' from the 54 applications that applied for funding in December, the successful applicants will now have a feasibility study carried out where the vision proposed in the Concept plans will be priced and checked to ensure they can be built and that they will deliver what they promise.

The New Zealand Cycle Trail fund will contribute to the feasibility studies.

John Dunn, Programme Manager, says the calibre of all the applications was very high which made the Technical Assessment Group's job of short-listing incredibly difficult.

"I want to congratulate all the applicants on the excellent work they put into the Concepts," says Mr Dunn. "Their applications were outstanding and demonstrated a level of commitment to their regions that show how a community can be galvanised into that great Kiwi tradition of 'getting in behind' a great idea."

"Nonetheless, with a limited funding pool of $50 million dollars, prioritising the trails was important and has meant that the ones going through to feasibility are "simply superior in every way".

They are:

1. Tauranga Moana Coastal Cycle Trail (Tauranga) 2. Old Motu Coach Road (Opotiki/Gisborne) 3. Thermal by Bike (Rotorua) 4. Lake Track (Taupo) 5. Mountains to Sea Cycleway - link (Ruapehu) 6. Heretaunga Ararua: Land of a Hundred Pathways (Hawkes Bay) 7. Dun Mountain and Tasman Cycle Loop (Nelson/Tasman) 8. Old Ghost Road (West Coast) 9. Westland Wilderness Trail (Greymouth) 10. Alps to Ocean Cycle Trail (Mt Cook) 11. The Wakatipu Trail (Queenstown) 12. Roxburgh Gorge Trail (Central Otago) 13. Clutha Gold Trail (Otago)

"These applications promise trails of stunning beauty and, along with the previously announced Quick Start projects, will provide a network of about 2000 kilometres of iconic Great Rides."

Mr Dunn says that prior to being funded for construction applicants must still prove feasibility and confirm there is a sound business case.

"We want them to put their best bid forward in their feasibility study which also means confirming the co-funding for construction."

Regarding the unsuccessful applicants, Mr Dunn says the Technical Assessment Group was particularly keen that the considerable investment made by the communities in their proposals was not lost. He says many of the trails deserve to be built and encouraged the applicants to explore other funding mechanisms and options to support their vision.

The feasibility study is expected to be completed by 31 May 2010 and it is hoped that construction could begin by the end of the year. To this end, applicants will be encouraged to work alongside their regional Ministry of Social Development offices to ensure young, unemployed New Zealanders can join the work force to help construct these trails.

For information about Nga Haerenga, the New Zealand Cycle Trails, go to www.tourism.govt.nz/cycleway Media inquiries: Mei Taare - 04 470 2290 or 021 416 573

Additional Information (figures are amount allocated for construction from NZ Cycle Trail Fund and NZ Cycle Trail Fund Contribution to Feasibility Study):
Roxburgh Gorge Trail (Central Otago) Cycle trail on the Clutha Mata-au River, covering the 33km of the Roxburgh Gorge between Alexandra and the Roxburgh Dam. 2,000,000 15,000 Clutha Gold Trail (Otago) Off-road 73km trail in Otago running from Roxburgh to Lawrence along the Clutha Mata-au River. 3,800,000 15,000

Calls for Contact Report Scrutiny

2010-02-02T10:40:00.003+13:00

Calls for contact report scrutiny
By Lynda Van Kempen, on Monday 1 February 2010
Otago Daily Times

The Clutha Management Committee wants scrutiny of consent processes surrounding Clutha hydro lakes. Contact Energy reports prepared as a condition of resource consents to raise Lake Roxburgh and to operate the Roxburgh and Clyde hydro dams should be studied by experts, the Clutha Management Committee believes.

At its recent meeting in Cromwell, the committee received a copy of Contact's annual compliance report, required as part of the conditions to continue operating the hydro dams.

It was also told about an amenity plan being prepared for the shores of Lake Roxburgh as one of the conditions of gaining consent to raise the operating level of the lake.

The committee agreed to ask Central Otago District Council staff to look closely at the reports and prepare a summary of them, flagging any issues they had.

"I need to be reassured that Contact are doing what they're supposed to be doing," committee member Tony Lepper said.

Contact environmental adviser Daniel Druce said Mr Lepper could be assured Contact was meeting all its requirements.

Alexandra resident Jolyon Manning, who attended the meeting, said it was important for there to be transparency in any dealings between Contact and local and regional authorities.

He said the Contact reports should be peer-reviewed.

As part of its consents issued in 2005 to continue operating the Roxburgh and Clyde hydro dams, Contact was required to reduce the volume of sediment in Lake Roxburgh and in the Manuherikia River to help mitigate the risk of flooding during high flows.

The committee was told by the Lake Dunstan Education and enforcement officer, Shayne Hitchcock, that the entrance to Bannockburn inlet had narrowed because of the build-up of silt in the lake.

Several boats had run aground there this summer, he said.

Committee members discussed whether the silt build-up should be addressed in the amenity plan for the lake.

Mr Druce said reducing sediment in the Manuherikia River, as part of the hydro consent conditions, would begin next week at Galloway.

The work would take about two months, and 50,000 cubic metres of gravel would be removed.

Old Goldmining Sites at Risk

2010-01-13T11:08:00.000+13:00

Old goldmining sites at risk
Wednesday, 13 Jan 2010
Otago Daily Times

Contact Energy may need to take steps to protect archaeological sites when it goes ahead with plans to raise Lake Roxburgh, south of Alexandra, later this year.

The company has been granted consent to raise the lake by 600mm, providing a boost to the Roxburgh power station, the Southland Times reported.

However, the area was also home to two goldrush-era hut sites, a cottage and historic tracks.

New Zealand Historic Places Trust Otago/Southland area manager Owen Graham told the newspaper the Roxburgh area's extensive gold mining history was not taken into account when the dam was built.

The trust and Contact have reached an agreement by which sites will be monitored and work done, where needed, to preserve them.

Future of Beaumont Bridge ...

2009-12-04T14:13:00.001+13:00

Future of historic bridge in doubt
By Mark Price, on Friday 4 Dec 2009
Otago Daily Times

The New Zealand Transport Agency has begun investigating a replacement for the Beaumont Bridge over the Clutha River.

The 122-year-old single-lane landmark, on State Highway 8 between Lawrence and Raes Junction, costs at least $100,000 per year to maintain.

It will be closed at night next week for repair work. The agency's Otago-Southland regional director, Bruce Richards, told the Otago Daily Times yesterday the bridge "still had some life in it" but replacement needed to be considered.

"It's getting to the stage where you keep repairing it; you're forever repairing it; you've got to say enough's enough. And we're getting close to that."

Up to 1500 vehicles per day used the bridge, including between 100 and 400 heavy vehicles.

A structural report on the bridge was expected to be completed by Easter and Mr Richards said replacement could occur within 10 years, but decisions about future hydro-electrictricity dams on the Clutha would affect planning.

If a proposed dam downstream at Tuapeka Mouth were built, it would flood Beaumont and the bridge.

A dam upstream of Beaumont could provide another option for crossing the Clutha and make a bridge at Beaumont "potentially redundant".

"We've got to make sure we make an appropriate investment. As to whether we can wait or not, that's unknown yet."

Mr Richards said replacement of the bridge was not in the recently adopted regional land-transport programme and he would be taking the project to the regional transport committee as a "variation" to the plan.

Beaumont resident Margaret Healy did not favour dams being built in the district and would prefer to see the bridge replaced at its present site.

She considered the old bridge "an amazing structure" because of its age and the environment in which it was built.

She said many of the maintenance issues were created by trucks crossing the bridge at excessive speed.

Highways manager Niclas Johansson said the bridge would be closed to traffic between 8pm and 6am from Monday, December 7, to Thursday, December 10.

Detours will be available through Clydevale.

Beaumont Bridge Facts:
- First steel bridge in New Zealand.
- Foundations laid by the member of the House of Representatives for Dunstan, Vincent Pyke, on September 20 and 21, 1883.
- First crossing, by a Craig and Co coach, on Monday, March 9, 1887.
- Tolls set at five pence per score of sheep, pigs and calves.
- One shilling per horse and one shilling and eight pence per score of oxen.

Creation of River Trail Begins

2009-12-03T14:18:00.001+13:00

Creation of river trail begins
By Matthew Haggart, on Thursday 3 Dec 2009
Otago Daily Times

The first steps towards creating a trail following the Clutha River from Lake Wanaka to the coast near Balclutha have started, with a new $65,000 joint construction project.

The Upper Clutha Tracks Trust (UCTT) and the Department of Conservation have awarded a contract, and construction is now under way on a section of track which joins Albert Town and Luggate.

Wanaka Doc area manager Paul Hellebrekers said the 2.5km long track above the true right bank of the Clutha River would probably be finished by February.

The "challenging" section of track involves a 500m climb over the Halliday Bluffs, from the confluence of the Clutha and Cardrona Rivers.

The track would rise to the natural terraces above the Clutha River and wind its way down towards Stevenson Rd, near the Wanaka airport, he said.

The joint walking and mountain-biking trail project demonstrated how successful initiatives could be when different groups worked together with the same objective in mind, Mr Hellebrekers said.

The new track is the most recent addition to a network of trails linking townships across the Upper Clutha district, an initiative first pushed for by the founding members of the UCTT.

The trail also heralds a further step towards the establishment of the Clutha Mata-Au River Parkway, which seeks to provide a public corridor from Lake Wanaka to Balclutha.

Public access to the new trail was provided for by landowners Meg Taylor and Lloyd Ferguson.

Low Inflows Impact on Contact Energy

2009-11-19T13:30:00.003+13:00

Contact’s October Power Production Drops on Low Inflows
By Gavin Evans, on Wednesday Nov 18 2009
bloomberg.com

Contact Energy Ltd., New Zealand’s biggest publicly traded power company, said generation fell 13 percent last month as low inflows and prices reduced output from its South Island dams.

Power production fell to 730 gigawatt-hours in October from 838 gigawatt-hours a year earlier, led by a 28 percent drop in output from Contact’s Clyde and Roxburgh dams. Average prices dropped to NZ$32.50 ($24) a megawatt-hour, from NZ$44.83 a year earlier, even as record cold temperatures lifted demand by 2.7 percent, the Wellington-based company said in a statement.

Contact, half-owned by Sydney-based Origin Energy Ltd., uses dams, gas-fired generators and geothermal steam fields to make power for its customers. The 432-megawatt Clyde dam, supplied by the Clutha River and Lake Hawea, is the company’s biggest plant.

“Compared to previous years, the inflows into Hawea were quite low” last month, act spokesman Jonathan Hill said in a telephone interview today. “Also, prices just didn’t warrant using storage.”

Contact fell as much as 8 cents, or 1.4 percent, to NZ$5.86. It traded at NZ$5.90 at 2 p.m. in Wellington. The benchmark Top 50 Index was 0.2 percent lower.

New Zealand gets about 60 percent of its power from dams on lakes and rivers, the largest of which are on South Island and run by Contact’s rival Meridian Energy Ltd. Power prices have doubled this month as lake levels declined to average levels for the first time in a year.

Low Inflows

Hydro-electric storage usually rises November through March as spring rain and melting snow on the nation’s Southern Alps increases inflows and allows generators to hold back water for the winter demand peak. Average inflows the past 30 days were 33 percent below normal, according to Marketplace Co. data.

“There’s no undue concern” at this stage, Meridian spokesman Alan Seay said today. “It’s the big northwesterly weather patterns that boost our inflows and we just haven’t had those yet. But it’s early days.”

Record low temperatures in many centers last month made it the coldest October since 1945, the National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research said on Nov. 3.

Generation from Contact’s gas-fired plants fell 4.5 percent from a year earlier. The plants at Otahuhu in Auckland and at Stratford need a price above NZ$60 megawatt-hour to cover their fuel and running costs, the company said Aug. 14.

Electricity cost NZ$86.68 at Otahuhu at 1 p.m. local time, according to Marketplace Co. data. It has averaged NZ$72.42 so far this month, up from NZ$41.36 in October.

Contact Decision Unlikely Till Late 2010

2009-11-16T13:24:00.001+13:00

Preferred hydro option unlikely until late 2010
By John Edens, on Monday Nov 16 2009
The Southland Times

A preferred hydro development option on the Clutha River would not be announced until the latter half of next year, Contact Energy said.

The energy firm is continuing to consult on its four proposals to build dams at Tuapeka Mouth, Beaumont, Queensberry and Luggate.

The energy firm announced a review of longstanding plans to dam the Clutha River in April.

The company believes adding to existing hydro schemes at Roxburgh and Clyde power stations would be in the country's best interests and help secure renewable supplies of electricity in the South Island.

But conservation and environmental protection groups oppose development as potentially damaging to landscape and environment.

Contact Energy spokesman Jonathan Hill said the firm would take as long as necessary to consult before making a decision.

"We are not going to be rushed. These proposals have been around for some time and I wouldn't be surprised if a decision ... was the latter half of 2010."

Clutha Mata-Au River Parkway Group chairman Lewis Verduyn said there had been some informal discussions about the dam proposals.

The group has advocated for the protection of the "mighty Clutha" and has plans to link tracks and trails from Wanaka to the east coast.

He said there had been no discussion with residents of Beaumont, and people would have to "wait and see."

Central Otago Still 'Energy Central'

2009-11-12T20:03:00.002+13:00

Hydro plans now 'more important'
By Lynda Van Kempen, on Thursday 12 Nov 2009
Otago Daily Times

Malcolm MacphersonContact Energy says the decision against Project Hayes makes Clutha River hydro-electricity development "all the more important", but anti-dam groups have taken the opposite view and heralded the ruling as common sense.

Central Otago Mayor Malcolm Macpherson said earlier this week he thought further hydro development on the Clutha was "less likely" as a result of the Environment Court declining consents for Meridian Energy's $2 billion wind farm on the Lammermoor Range.

The decision had lifted the bar for consents for renewable energy projects nationwide, he said.

Contact has sought feedback on four proposals for hydro development on the Clutha and spokesman Jonathan Hill said yesterday the company's plans took on even more importance for New Zealand now that the wind farm had been halted.

"The South Island still needs new generation. There's been very little built in the South Island over the past 10 years and all indications are that demand for power will continue to grow," he said.

"We've focused on the Clutha as a previously modified catchment."

The Project Hayes decision had not slowed or halted Contact's plans.

"Nothing's been put on the backburner. If anything, it's made this project all the more important," he said.

Contact was continuing to consult communities about the dams proposed for Luggate, Queensberry, Beaumont and Tuapeka.

"We're confidently following our timeline for consultation with local communities on the Clutha proposals and we've always seen this as a long-term project. We're taking our time and continuing to have good dialogue with anyone interested in the project."

Groups opposed to more dams on the Clutha said the wind farm decision was "common sense".

Several groups have banded together to form the Clutha River Forum and forum spokesman Lewis Verduyn said the Project Hayes decision "has not only lifted the consenting bar, it has lifted the spirits of those who cherish this landscape".

"Think Big" was dying, Mr Verduyn said.

"It has raised its head too often. We have learned that the price is too high."

Hayes Ruling ‘Common Sense’

2009-11-11T11:19:00.003+13:00

Clutha Groups - Hayes Ruling ‘Common Sense’
Clutha River Forum, on Wednesday 11 November 2009

Groups opposed to further large dams on the Clutha River have praised the Environment Court’s decision declining Meridian’s consents for a $2 billion wind farm on the Lammermoor Range.

Members of the Clutha River Forum, an alliance of community and conservation groups, believe that the ruling, released last Friday, represents “common sense.”

The Chairperson of the Beaumont Residents Group, Neville Hills, saw it as “Finally some common sense for New Zealand.”

“The court’s decision points in the right direction,” says Dr. Richard Kohler, Chairperson of the Central Otago Environmental Society. “This decision is a milestone towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.”

“Common sense should have prevailed from the outset,” said Leigh Morris, Spokesperson for the Lower Clutha River Guardians. “It was obvious that the effects of such a wind farm were never going to be minor.”

In October, the Clutha River Forum launched an ‘Option 5 – No More Dams’ campaign, a reference to Contact Energy’s four dam options for the Clutha River, at Luggate, Queensberry, Beaumont and Tuapeka Mouth.

“The Lower Clutha River Guardians can fully appreciate the high level of stress that Project Hayes has caused to those involved,” said Leigh Morris, yesterday. “We hope that the people of Beaumont can also look forward to a day when they, too, can celebrate the feeling of freedom from a large company seeking to make a profit at the expense of their environment.”

Forum members were critical of past decision-making, recalling the Clyde dam episode. They said that power companies have long regarded the South Island as an endless resource to be exploited, despite the infrastructural costs of sending the power north, and the destruction of prized Southern environments.

Contact Energy is the next in line, with their decision on a preferred option expected within months.

“‘Think Big’ is dying here,” says Lewis Verduyn, Chairperson of the Clutha Mata-Au River Parkway Group. “It has raised its head too often. We have learned that the price is too high. There is a strong economic argument for us to protect our most valued landscapes, and there’s a poor argument to destroy them in order to satisfy the energy demands of the north.”

“Renewable energy production should be located closer to the end user,” says Tim Ryan, Chairperson of the Upper Clutha River Guardians. “The Otago region already has its fair share of power stations.”

The Environment Court drew attention to Meridian’s lack of information on alternatives.

The Clutha River Forum believes that New Zealand is not short of “sensible energy options,” including “offshore wind farms that are closer to the demand than Central Otago, and the immense potential of Cook Strait tidal power now being developed by Neptune Power.”

The Hayes decision,” says Lewis Verduyn, “has not only lifted the consenting bar, it has lifted the spirits of those who cherish this landscape.”

“Now that the clouds of uncertainty have been blown away, the Lammermoor Range will look even better,” said Leigh Morris. “We are thankful for the hard work and effort put in by those who fought against its desecration.”

Clutha Hydro Less Likely After Decision

2009-11-10T15:23:00.001+13:00

Clutha hydro less likely after decision: mayor
By Lynda Van Kempen, on Tuesday 10 Nov 2009
Otago Daily Times

Further hydro development on the Clutha is now "less likely" than before the Project Hayes decision, Central Otago Mayor Malcolm Macpherson says.

The Environment Court decision declining Meridian's consents for a $2 billion wind farm on the Lammermoor Range was announced on Friday.

The 350-page document said the detrimental impact of the project on the landscape outweighed the positive factors.

The ruling had lifted the bar for consents for renewable energy projects nationwide, Dr Macpherson said yesterday.

"The Clutha hydro schemes will probably be one of the next major renewable energy schemes before the [Central Otago District ] council for consent, when Contact makes up its mind which options it prefers," Dr Macpherson said.

The cumulative effect of developments was a factor in the Project Hayes decision and Meridian had been criticised for not providing more information on alternative sites.

"As a result, it is my opinion that further hydro development on the Clutha River is now less likely than it was prior to this decision," Dr Macpherson said.

"The cumulative effects argument against further hydro on the Clutha will also be strengthened as a result of this decision.

"Because large energy projects were nationally significant, the area relevant to `alternative options' discussions becomes all of New Zealand. That sets a very high threshold".

His comments were echoed by Meridian spokesman Alan Seay.

"One of the issues arising is that it has certainly lifted the bar quite considerably for consenting major renewable energy projects and that's something the country as a whole has to come to grips with," he said.

It would make the last government's targets for this country's use of renewable sources of energy "extraordinarily difficult to achieve".

"We need to turn our mind to what this means for the future of renewable energy in New Zealand."

Mr Seay said the implication was that it might be easier to return to greater reliance on fossil fuels.

Dr Macpherson said, with the benefit of hindsight, he would have preferred the Project Hayes decision go straight to the Environment Court.

"For a similar case, I wouldn't advocate a local hearing first. We thought a local panel [hearing the consent] would protect local values, but that was a little naive because, of course, it became a national debate."

The council was likely to face future decisions about similar large-scale energy projects.

"I have no doubt about that. Central Otago is energy central as far as the rest of the country is concerned."

More Than a Victory - A Turning Point

2009-11-07T10:01:00.001+13:00

Energy planning
Saturday 7 Nov 2009
Editorial
Otago Daily Times

If there is to be one critically advantageous long-term outcome from the Environment Court's rejection of the Project Hayes wind farm it should be that the nation's energy planners - including the present Government - will be compelled, finally, to confront the need to give far more weight to size and proximity of generation facilities to the major electricity markets, particularly in the top half of the North Island.

For too long, the default position has been that the South Island offers endless bounty and is simply waiting to be exploited, regardless of the infrastructural costs associated with conveying captured energy to end-users and the destruction of the natural environment.

One of the more emphatic arguments of the opposers to Project Hayes was one often advanced but rarely accepted in project hearings: visual environmental pollution, in this case entailing up to 176 giant turbines on the Lammermoors.

It is a largely subjective argument but it has been gaining potency and appears now to have been acknowledged.

It is most decidedly the position of a large numbers of residents in Otago, and of visitors to it, that the beauty of its lakes, rivers and mountain ranges is unsurpassed and should be preserved against the large-scale industrial development which Project Hayes represented.

The South needs to comprehensively put a permanent high value on its natural beauty: many, quite rightly, regard it as priceless.

The destruction of the wild Clutha River by hydro-electric dams was mourned by earlier generations; the original Project Aqua to so modify the Waitaki River as to effectively wreck any remaining natural qualities on its lower part drew vigorous opposition, substantially on aesthetic grounds, from a new generation.

Another weight of objection remains unanswered with regard to a dam on the Nevis River.

Clearly, the defenders of the natural environment - so far as it actually is in that state today - are gathering strength.

This cannot be surprising where official policy champions a "100% pure" environment illusion.

There is a strong economic argument to preserve such natural features as remain in the South and to reject any further large-scale modification of them by industry.

If New Zealand is to continue to earn a substantial portion of its revenues from visitors, let alone try to maintain its claimed natural purity, then it must give the most significant parts of the landscape a higher priority.

It does so with national parks and the like and in many other places where reserves of one kind or another exist, but the Project Hayes and Project Aqua hearings have shown that the "environment" is not limited to the world's hunger for natural places, pretty beaches, mountain ranges and lakes.

Those hearings also exposed another weakness in that the State, content to promote the 100% pure fantasy and claim the benefits from it, is not always perceived to act as public defender of that vision.

The secret deals by which the Department of Conservation received monies from the promoters of the projects quid pro quo for not objecting to them have not only undermined the department's public credibility but destroyed what hopes existed - however misplaced - that the department's priority is preservation rather than pragmatism.

The strongest economic argument for Project Hayes was the apparent value of wind power as a renewable energy resource.

But Meridian Energy's failure to provide a sufficiently thorough or convincing cost-benefit analysis of its scheme must stand as a warning about the deceptive enchantments of "renewable energy", and of the need for all the true costs of development to the community to be considered.

Inevitably, such an analysis was weakened when the major markets for electricity principally lie far to the north of the proposed Otago site.

It is illogical for power planners not to be placing greater emphasis on seeking generating sources closer to commercial demand.

New Zealand's last taboo is nuclear energy, yet it was once officially recommended to be introduced in the form of a generating plant near Auckland in the late 1970s.?

That was shelved as being not needed before the millennium.

It needs to be considered again in discussions about alternative energy sources, as indeed must be energy conservation measures and, above all, actual need.?

The provision of energy is one of the biggest challenges facing this country.

The agreed view between the Government and power companies, that generating capacity be increased with an emphasis on renewable energy, needs closer scrutiny.

Part of that view also includes the inhibition of individual objection: despite such draconian policies as demanding security for costs from poorly-funded objectors, Project Hayes has demonstrated the absolute need for the closest possible examination, with the communities most affected by major projects having a principal say in that consideration.

Here, not much more than a handful of private citizens felt bound to take on the twin forces of a state-owned enterprise and the State itself - one that demanded "whole of government" support for the project - to uphold environmental values universally claimed to be cherished.

They have won a victory that in time the nation will come to cherish, just as did those pioneering campaigners who saved Lake Manapouri.

Frankly My Dear, We Don't Want a Dam, Either

2009-11-07T09:52:00.000+13:00

Project Hayes: Gone with the wind
By Rosie Manins, on Saturday 7 Nov 2009
Otago Daily Times

"It was an inappropriate scheme in an inappropriate place and I always felt that the bench would recognise that."

That was Project Hayes appellant Grahame Sydney's reaction yesterday to the Environment Court's decision to uphold an appeal against Meridian Energy's proposed $2 billion wind farm on the Lammermoor Range in Central Otago.

In a 350-page decision released to parties yesterday, the court refused consents for Project Hayes.

It came nine months after the 33-day appeal hearing for the proposed development had been adjourned in Queenstown.

Mr Sydney, who lives in Central Otago and is an ardent campaigner for the protection of its landscapes, said he had remained confident Project Hayes would be refused since Meridian first applied for consents in 2006 and 2007.

"The common sense and logic was all swinging our way," he said.

Mr Sydney celebrated at St Bathans with friend and fellow appellant Graye Shattky.

"This is right up there with the best times of my life. You have your children and then you have a win like this," he said.

Mr Shattky said it was not everyday he "felt 21 again".

"It's a magnificent day for Central Otago," he said.

Both said the appeal had always been about the landscape, and not energy, and set an important precedent for further proposals of large-scale development in Central Otago.

"This judgement has wonderful repercussions, and could be said to be putting a stop to the desecration of these landscapes in one blow," Mr Sydney said.

Mr Shattky said the Central Otago District Council - which granted initial consents for the project - had no choice but to better protect the district's landscapes of significance.

"The bar has been raised. It leaves the council under no illusion about the responsibility it has to identify and protect the district's special sites in perpetuity," he said.

Former All Black hooker Anton Oliver said he had been in touch with fellow protesters all day, celebrating the news.

"What this result is saying is that some things aren't measured in monetary terms," he said.

"It's saying that some landscapes in New Zealand are so special that you can't put any price on them."

The decision to refuse consents was made by a three-to-one majority.

Environment Court judge Jon Jackson, commissioner Heather McConachy, and deputy commissioner Ken Fletcher agreed the negative effects of the development outweighed its benefit, while commissioner Alex Sutherland dissented.

In the decision, Dr Sutherland said he agreed with and contributed to the writing of most of the document, but in his view the benefits proposed by Meridian were slightly more significant than adverse effects posed by appellants "such as to be in Meridian's favour".

But the final conclusion found key reasons for refusing consents, including the detrimental impact Project Hayes would have on a unique landscape, the fact there could be other potential sites for wind-farm development, and because insufficient evidence was provided by Meridian and the Crown in regard to the efficient use of the site's natural and physical resources.

"After weighing all the relevant matters . . . we judge that the Meridian project is inappropriate in the outstanding natural landscape of the Eastern Central Otago Upland Landscape, and does not achieve sustainable management of the Lammermoor's resources. That is principally because the nationally important positive factors of enabling economic and social welfare by providing a very large quantity of renewable energy are outweighed by the most important adverse consequences," the decision stated.

Costs were reserved, but the decision stated "our current view is that costs should lie where they fall".

Hayes Ruling Knifes 'Think Big' Power

2009-11-07T09:42:00.001+13:00

Wind farm ruling may set trend
By Rosie Manins, Saturday 7 Nov 2009
Otago Daily Times

The Environment Court's decision to decline Meridian Energy's controversial Project Hayes wind farm on the Lammermoor Range could spell the end of large-scale electricity generation development in Central Otago, Mayor Malcolm Macpherson said yesterday.

While he had not seen the 350 page decision, he assumed the main reason for declining consent was the special landscapes.

"And if that's the case, it might set one of the most important precedents for Central Otago, Otago, and New Zealand. I wonder whether this is the end of big renewables of any sort, in this part of the country, at least."

Project Hayes, a $2 billion, 176-turbine wind farm, would have been the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere, encompassing 92sq km of Central Otago high country.

Dr Macpherson said the "devil is in the detail", and the importance of the 350-page document would depend on what grounds Environment Court judge Jon Jackson and the three commissioners declined consent.

"The real significance will be in the rationale behind the decision. Without seeing it I can only guess that the fact it is 350 pages means it was not a simple `no', and there's been a great deal of thought put into it," he said.

People throughout Otago would have mixed feelings about the project being declined, particularly due to the recession.

"There would have been a prolonged period of construction-related activity that would have been really beneficial across all of Otago, and unless there's another application from Meridian, then that opportunity has been lost.

"There would have been a number of people anticipating for some time the pick-up in work from the project and now their hopes are gone. Having said that, there will also be a large number of people who will think it's a very good outcome and will be looking carefully at what it means for other projects," he said.

Dr Macpherson said the Central Otago District Council would have to "tally up" what it cost to be a party in the Environment Court appeal hearing.

The council, along with the Otago Regional Council, initially consented Meridian's application for the project in 2007.

Dr Macpherson said Meridian covered all costs of the initial hearing, but not the appeal.

He wondered whether Meridian would have "deep enough pockets" or the will to make an amended application.

"Maybe a modified application with different parameters would have been successful."

A win and loss: that was how Otago Regional Council chairman Stephen Cairns summed up the Project Hayes decision.

"You could knock me down with a feather. I am surprised to hear the project's not going ahead," he said.

"Speaking without having viewed that decision, I'd have to say my initial response is that it's a win for those who want to protect the landscape but a loss to the nation of a renewable energy resource."

Mr Cairns said he "wouldn't have been disappointed" if the wind farm application had succeeded, and canning the project would be a loss to the country.

"It was a renewable energy resource which had a synergy which made it more than just a straightforward wind farm application."

The issue had certainly divided the region, he said.

"It's been a contentious issue, with people strongly in support of the project, and strong opposition. The only other issue I can think of that has generated such a response in this region in recent times is the [Forsyth Barr] stadium debate."

Contact Consults On Dam Plans, Silently

2009-10-22T17:20:00.002+13:00

Contact silent on dam plans
By Glenn Conway, on Tuesday 20 Oct 2009
Otago Daily Times

Contact Energy is keeping quiet on how much money its investigation into a possible new hydro-electric dam on the Clutha River might cost and is unlikely to ever reveal the final bill.

The power company has spent all year researching and revisiting four decades-old plans for dams on the river.

Its focus has been on early proposals at Queensberry, Luggate, Beaumont and Tuapeka Mouth.

It has appointed Clyde-based manager Neil Gillespie to head the project and is using experts in engineering and other areas to explore the best option.

Although that and other work being conducted behind the scenes is likely to be expensive, Contact spokesman Jonathan Hill would not be drawn into outlining how much money was being poured into the project.

"We are putting a lot of effort and lot of work into ensuring we are getting the best information we can . . .

"I think it's important for people to have confidence in the process we are following," he said.

He declined to comment on how much had been spent by Contact to date.

"That is something that we would not disclose," Mr Hill said.

Contact had yet to confirm exactly when it will announce its preferred option.

It hopes to soon release computer animated graphics on how the four new dams might look.

It has previously said it would announce its pick of the four proposals early next year.

Support For Clutha River Forum

2009-10-17T14:46:00.000+13:00

Support rallies for anti-dam forum
By Rosie Manins, on Saturday 17 Oct 2009
Otago Daily Times

A forum of groups opposed to hydro dams on the Clutha River is rallying support from throughout New Zealand, in preparation for a fight to save Otago's river landscape.

Members of the Clutha River Forum gathered in Alexandra last week to discuss how best to prevent "think big" dams on the Clutha, spokesman Lewis Verduyn said.

Representatives from the Upper Clutha River Guardians, Clutha Mata-Au River Parkway Group, Central Otago Environmental Society, Save Central, Beaumont Residents Group, Lower Clutha River Guardians, and the Dunedin branch of Forest and Bird attended.

Mr Verduyn said at present those groups formed the forum, but there was strong interest from other individuals, groups, and organisations throughout the country.

"There is a lot of support from other groups and people who want to be involved, but none of the others have been confirmed yet. We've been working on expanding our support base and have been networking with other groups throughout New Zealand in similar situations."

He said 20 rivers in the country were now threatened by dams.

About 60 people are associated with the forum's opposition to hydro dams.

Mr Verduyn said the forum, which comprises 15 people, initiated a research document on hydro dams when it met about two months ago, and had recently been analysing the finished product.

The 15-page document focused on New Zealand's demand for electricity, and whether additional generation was necessary.

"We have a lot of research behind what we are saying and doing.

"The forum has considered Contact Energy's four dam options and unanimously supports option five - no more dams," he said.

As well as research, the forum had other strategies and campaign ideas "in the pipeline".

Clutha Forum Launches ‘Option 5’

2009-10-17T09:48:00.001+13:00

Clutha Forum Launches ‘Option 5’ Campaign
Media Release: Clutha River Forum, Friday 16 October 2009
scoop.co.nz

Proposed dams on the Clutha River now face concerted opposition from several community and conservation groups who have formed a united Clutha River Forum. At a recent meeting in Alexandra, groups dedicated to saving the unique values of the region, resolved to work together to prevent further “Think Big” dams on the Clutha River.

The new forum has considered Contact Energy’s four dam options, and unanimously supports ‘Option 5 – no more dams’.

The forum also has support from the International Rivers organization. “International Rivers supports the global movement for free-flowing rivers and the rights of riverine communities,” said Aviva Imhof, Campaigns Director, in an email message to the forum. “We support your efforts to save the Clutha River from future dam construction and to protect this majestic river for future generations. You are not alone, as literally millions of dam-affected people around the world are fighting for the same goals - to protect their rivers and their rights.”

Members of the Clutha River Forum include the Upper Clutha River Guardians, the Clutha Mata-Au River Parkway Group, the Central Otago Environmental Society, Save Central, the Beaumont Residents’ Group, the Lower Clutha River Guardians, and Forest and Bird - Dunedin Branch.

“The energy question concerns all New Zealanders,” said forum spokesperson, Lewis Verduyn. “This issue must be presented in the wider context of energy problems and solutions.

Poorly informed people cannot make informed decisions.”

The forum believes that the public has been misled, citing a public misconception that soaring power prices can only be addressed by building new generation, when “history shows that the consumer is likely to fund this additional generation through higher power prices.”

Members said that the New Zealand energy sector is structured to encourage profiteering from electricity generation, which reduces the producer’s incentive to invest in energy conservation.

“Customers have a cost incentive to save energy, but producers have a profit incentive to sell more.”

Past restructuring of the energy sector has failed to deliver efficiencies. Instead, energy companies have manipulated the supply and demand equation to reap enormous profits. This problem can only be addressed by restructuring the energy sector to incentivize energy conservation at every stage of electricity production, management, and distribution.

“This is part of a much wider problem,” says Lewis Verduyn. “As a society we are engaged in the unsustainable pursuit of growth without a proper environmental accounting process. That’s why all our so-called resources, and our rivers, are in terminal decline. Change will be difficult because our decision-makers, in politics and business, are accustomed to the existing failing paradigms of economics and governance. In terms of energy, we need to plan for our future now, by maximizing what we have, and by choosing the most sustainable long-term generation options.”

Forum members agreed that energy efficiency measures can significantly reduce or negate the need for new generation capacity. In most cases, these demand reductions can be achieved at less cost than constructing new generation.

At the same time there is a need for New Zealand to move away from unsustainable generation using oil, coal, gas fired power stations and large-scale hydro. The group regards Contact Energy’s claim that more Clutha dams are among our “best renewable” options, as “old strategies dressed in green-washed language.”

“There is a myth that large hydro is clean, green and renewable,” says Lewis Verduyn. “Large concrete gravity dams have a full life carbon footprint that is 2 to 6 times larger than an average wind farm (another poor option), and as we’ve seen on the Clutha, large dams cause serious environmental and community impacts, submerge productive land, and impose longterm costs, risks and liabilities relating to reservoir sedimentation, floods, instability and decommissioning that are highly problematic.”

Because of problems with large dams (over 10 MW) they are no longer defined as a “renewable” energy by many organizations including the World Wildlife Fund. More than 260 organisations have signed the International Rivers declaration to exclude large hydro, over 10 MW, from renewable energy initiatives in the carbon offset market.

Lewis Verduyn said “There is no place for more large dams in New Zealand, because they cannot provide a sustainable, reliable and expandable energy solution. If energy demand grows by as much as 2.5% annually as predicted we would need the equivalent of one Luggate dam (86 MW) every 6 months, or one Tuapeka dam (350 MW) every 25 months, or another Clyde dam (432 MW) every 29 months. This is obviously unsustainable. We are running out of rivers. Clearly a long-term solution is needed.”

Members of the forum identified the Cook Strait tidal power option as the single largest and most promising “new” renewable energy available to New Zealand, capable of providing more than 17000 MW. It has a guaranteed weather-independent output, a relatively low material cost, and the lowest carbon footprint of any form of generation in New Zealand. The forum believes that this innovative underwater technology, which is being developed by Neptune Power, offers substantial opportunities for New Zealand in a quickly changing world.

Nationwide, a range of initiatives are urgently needed to improve energy efficiency, reduce systemic waste in the energy sector, promote local generation and new renewables, and to develop lasting energy solutions.

The forum has embarked on an ‘Option 5 campaign – No More Dams’.

Birch Island May Thwart Contact

2009-10-17T09:43:00.000+13:00

Island may thwart Contact
By Glenn Conway, on Thursday 15 Oct 2009
Otago Daily Times

A small island on the Clutha River could again prove a thorn in the side of a power company hoping to build a dam on the river's lower reaches.

Officials preparing a review of the Clutha district plan say there is a possibility Birch Island could be added to a list of significant habitats, which would mean Contact Energy would have to spend more money and time preparing its case for a dam at Tuapeka Mouth.

The company is revisiting 40-year-old plans for hydro-electric dams on the river, with sites at Queensberry, Luggate, Beaumont and Tuapeka Mouth being considered.

It plans to announce its preferred option early next year.

But, if Contact chooses the latter as its preference, it may encounter some red tape in the form of Birch Island having special protection in the new district plan.

The island is not on the Clutha District Council's register of significant habitats.

However, if scientists or others can prove it has special qualities, then council officials say it might get some protection, requiring much more work by Contact if it planned to flood the island as part of a Tuapeka Mouth dam building process.

Council planning and environment manager Murray Brass said Birch Island was "on the list" of areas being considered for inclusion in the updated plan.

However, "sound scientific proof" of special habitat or fauna existing there was needed before any protection would be considered.

Any formal protection would automatically trigger a resource consent application for any works in the area, although one would be needed for a project the size of any hydro development anyway, he said.

Any moves to fully protect the island would take several years and involve public consultation, as would any application by Contact to build a dam on the river.

Clutha River Trail Network Grows

2009-10-08T23:38:00.003+13:00

Trail network growing legacy
By Matthew Haggart, on Thursday 8 Oct 2009
Otago Daily Times

A new bridge is guided into place at the Cardrona River mouth yesterday at the starting point for the planned Clutha River trail. Photo by Matthew Haggart. The expanding network of trails and cycleways across the Upper Clutha is providing a valuable infrastructural asset for both tourism and local communities, Wanaka woman Meg Taylor says.

She made the comment on the day a bridge was laid across the mouth of the Cardrona River.

The bridge will be named after her late husband John Pawson, founding chairman of the Upper Clutha Tracks Trust (UCTT).

Mr Pawson died in a climbing accident on Mt Aspiring last November, but the ongoing work of the UCTT is blazing a trail as part of his legacy.

Ms Taylor thanked the parties involved with the construction of the new bridge, a $50,000 joint project by the UCTT, the Department of Conservation, and Hawea Flat building outfit CBG Quality Construction.

Although she had not decided on naming the memorial bridge, she was "leaning" towards a title of "Pawsons Crossing".

The new bridge is located at the foot of the Halliday Bluff, near Riverrun, a tourism lodge established by the couple, at the start of a planned 7km trail connecting Albert Town and Luggate.

Walking on trails and tracks was the most common activity undertaken by people staying at Riverrun, and also tourists to Wanaka, Ms Taylor said.

"Whether it's a riverside stroll, a lakeside amble, or a walk to a glacier, it's something nearly everyone does when they come here."

The quick succession of new trails being opened around the district was phenomenal, she said.

"I'm chuffed with it and I know John would be, too," Ms Taylor said.

Computer 'Fly-Over' A Virtual Paradise

2009-09-30T10:50:00.005+13:00

No new options on dams
By Glenn Conway, on Wednesday 30 Sep 2009
Otago Daily Times

No alternative options for dams on the Clutha River - apart from the four released by Contact Energy - have emerged from the power company's public consultations this year, virtually confirming a dam at either Queensberry, Luggate, Beaumont or Tuapeka Mouth will be its choice.

The power company is revisiting old plans for hydro-electric dams at each of those four points along the Clutha River and will announce its preferred option early next year.

While it had always had an open mind about other possible sites for a dam, Contact hydro project manager Neil Gillespie yesterday said no alternatives had surfaced during public feedback.

There was the possibility more than one dam option may be favoured.

To help the public and residents who may be potentially affected, Contact was finalising video clips that will be posted online. These will show what the proposed options would look like from an aerial view and show what areas will be affected as well as the extent of possible inundation.

Mr Gillespie said staff were "dealing with the technology" and it should be ready soon.

The "flyover" views would give the best possible representation of what the dams would look like.

The new approach was exciting, simply because it was not available the last time dams in the area were mooted more than 20 years ago.

"Back then, all people had to look at were detailed plans. Now they can get a birds-eye view."

Chinese Miner Will Get Headstone

2009-09-30T09:15:00.000+13:00

Grave of Chinese miner to be given headstone
By Glenn Conway, on Wednesday 30 Sep 2009
Otago Daily Times

Beaumont Rural Women's secretary Margaret Healy reflects at the Beaumont cemetery on the contribution made by Chinese miner Ah Tie, who lived in the area for many years. Photo by Glenn Conway. The riverside settlement of Beaumont will pay tribute next month to a Chinese miner whose contribution to the community nearly a century ago has long gone unrecognised.

Ah Tie arrived in the Lawrence-Beaumont area in 1871 after much of the heat of the Otago goldrush had died down, but unlike many others, he chose to stay and work in the area.

He died in June 1921, 50 years after arriving.

Beaumont Rural Women's Group secretary Margaret Healy said Ah Tie was a loyal and hard-working member of the community and the group believed he should be remembered with dignity after all these years.

The group launched a project to collect enough money to buy a river stone headstone to be erected on his grave at the cemetery.

The cemetery, overlooking the Clutha River, has about 25 headstones, but Mrs Healy said it was full and most of those interred there were in unmarked graves. The remains of Ah Tie were located and a stick in the ground is the only sign he is buried there.

An undated photograph of Ah Tie, who died in 1921. That will change on October 24, when locals and the Chinese community gather at the cemetery to formally recognise the Chinese man who became a local.

Details on Ah Tie are scarce, but Mrs Healy said research revealed he first came to prominence in September 1871 when the Tuapeka Times reported he was charged with vagrancy and sentenced to three months' jail.

In October 1888, he was credited with retrieving the body of a child, who had drowned at Roxburgh.

Ah Tie noticed the body floating down the river and pulled it from the water.

In December 1901, Ah Tie was among a group of Chinese residents in the Tuapeka who donated money towards the Tuapeka Hospital. He offered five shillings. In 1909, it was reported Ah Tie acted as an interpreter in a court case involving other Chinese residents.

The Wood family of Beaumont had a special connection with Ah Tie, as he worked on the family farm for many years. In information uncovered by the group, the late Kitty Wood said her father said Ah Tie was "a good reliable worker and could drive a team or mend a fence. He was with us until he died."

The Wood family insisted Ah Tie be buried in the local cemetery.

Mrs Healy said this was a rare honour. Although there are thought to be some Chinese and Maori buried on the other side of the cemetery fence, there was no record of any other Chinese interred in the actual cemetery.

Local people, with some help from the Chinese Poll Tax Trust, collected just over $1000 to buy the headstone.

The cemetery would be inundated if the mooted Tuapeka dam was built.

Contact Energy Admits It Got It Wrong

2009-09-28T17:46:00.000+13:00

Contact Energy Admits It Got It Wrong
By Brian Gaynor, on Monday Sept 28 2009
Brian Gaynor Blog

Contact Energy has admitted that last year’s annual meeting contributed to the loss of over 39,191 electricity customers. CEO David Baldwin has written to shareholders; “the message was received loud and clear and we’ve been intensely focused on rebuilding the trust and confidence of our customers’.

On September 23, 2008 Contact Energy released the notice for its annual meeting to be held in Auckland on October 23. Item 4 was a resolution to raise total directors’ fees by an amazing 95%, from $770,000 to $1,500,000.

The notice also contained a resolution to re-elect unpopular director Phil Pryke and the company announced electricity price increases around the same time.

This was at the height of the international financial crisis.

The media coverage of the director’s fee increase and the hard headed approach by Contact’s chairman Grant King at the annual meeting had a huge impact on the company’s customer base. King told shareholders at the meeting that directors were underpaid and director Tim Saunders told shareholders that he was underpaid when he received “only $128,150” for 24 meetings. This worked out at $5,340 per meeting.

Contact Energy lost a large number of retail customers just after the meeting.

Numbers have stabilised in recent months but the company lost 39,191 customers in the eleven months ended August 2009 as its market share fell from 27.16% to 24.96%. It will be extremely difficult to win these customers back.

The message from the Contact Energy saga is that greedy directors can have a big impact on a company’s retail customer base.