By Chris Hutching
Friday 2nd May 2003 |
Text too small? |
Environment Minister Marian Hobbs has granted the company the state's most draconian powers to acquire property as a "requiring authority" under s167(4) of the Resource Management Act.
The change was gazetted last week. Compensation will be determined by a valuation tribunal, based on valuations of neighbouring properties, rather than on a "willing buyer, willing seller" basis.
State-owned Meridian, producing 30% of the country's electricity and 70% of its hydro generation, is understood to have reached accommodations with most landowners in the Waitaki River area affected by its scheme.
The Waitaki River is one of the largest in the country and Meridian's controversial proposal involves diverting two-thirds of the water in the lower reaches into a series of canals for power stations and irrigation.
Meridian's Waitaki River generation system includes eight power stations beginning at Lake Tekapo (22% of the country's hydro generation with 800GWh of storage capacity), linked by canal to Lake Pukaki (with 44% of the country's hydro generation with 1600GWh of storage capacity), then to the Lake Ohau station, Lake Benmore and the Aviemore and Waitaki stations.
No comments yet
Fonterra appoints permanent COO
Manawa Energy FY24 Annual Results & Webcast Details
Seeka Provides the Results of Meeting - ASM
April 19th Morning Report
PGW Guidance Update
CNU - Commerce Commission releases draft expenditure decision
Spark announces departure of Product Director
TGG - T&G appoints new Director
April 18th Morning Report
SKC - APPOINTMENT OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER