Environmental and Outdoor Groups Rally Against Waitaha Hydro Fast-Track Approval
Forest & Bird, Greenpeace, and FMC have signed an open letter urging a fast-track panel to decline Westpower's $200m Waitaha hydro project on conservation land.
By: AXL Media
Published: Apr 16, 2026, 4:08 AM EDT
Source: RNZ Pacific
The Waitaha Hydro Proposal
Westpower’s project involves constructing a weir to divert water through a tunnel between Hokitika and the Franz Josef Glacier. The company argues the scheme would:
Power 12,000 homes: Providing 23 megawatts of renewable energy.
Boost Resilience: Improving the often-vulnerable electricity supply on the West Coast.
Support Climate Goals: Contributing to New Zealand’s transition away from fossil fuels.
Westpower CEO Peter Armstrong stated the company is committed to progressing responsibly in partnership with Poutini Ngāi Tahu and local communities.
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