Declarations on Manapouri

Forest and Bird, Issue 186, 1 November 1972, Page 1

Declarations on Manapouri

FOR 12 years the Society has campaigned in an effort to save the two magnificent lakes in our greatest national park from despoliation by those who wish to obtain the last few megawatts of power from the waters. We have done everything possible to persuade the Government that economic considerations should not necessarily always be overriding. We have petitioned Parliament three times, made lengthy submissions to a Special Commission, and taken part in many deputations. Yet we are without firm assurance that the lakes will not be sacrificed. We are not a party organisation; nor do we wish to be. Nevertheless we think we are entitled to unequivocal statements from Parliamentary party leaders on such an important matter. We asked for and obtained the following statements: FROM THE PRIME MINISTER: Government Policy on Lake Manapouri “In September 1971 the Government accepted the unanimous recommendations of the Parliamentary Select Committee representing both sides of the House which considered the petitions praying that the waters of Lake Manapouri be not raised beyond the normal levels. The recommendations accepted by Government were: (i) any dam constructed at Mararoa to control the level of Lake Manapouri be so constructed as to ensure that at this stage the lake is not raised above its natural levels; (ii) the Mararoa Dam be so constructed as to permit, if necessary in the future, the raising of the lake beyond its natural levels; (iii) any provision for the raising of the lake above natural levels in the future should not be undertaken without the authority of Parliament. “This means that when the Mararoa Dam has been constructed to control the lake at its natural level it will be possible to find out the amount of power which

can be generated without raising the level of the lake. When, through study and observation, more definite information has been obtained, Parliament will be in a better position to reconsider the matter. “The Government has shown by its actions that it shares the concern shown by many New Zealanders about the future of Lake Manapouri and recognises that no decision on raising the level of the lake should be made without greater knowledge of the likely consequences. “To ensure that local interests are consulted on all matters relating to the operation of the power scheme as it affects Lakes Manapouri and Te Anau and their environments, Government has decided to establish a Liaison Committee with representatives from the national park board, local authorities, conservation groups, and Government departments. “The Liaison Committee will have an important role in channelling advice to Government from those organisations which have shown their concern that the development of the power resources of these lakes should not be at the expense of scenic and conservation values.” FROM THE LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION: “Labour believes the raising or lowering of Lake Manapouri outside its natural levels or at an unnatural rate within its natural levels is next justified when the possible economic advantages are measured against the environmental damage that would certainly result to one of New Zealand’s finest lakes. “Holding these views, Labour undertakes not to allow the lake to go beyond its natural levels. “Any legal obligation to Comalco to supply extra power will be met from the national grid or by paying compensation fairly assessed. “To provide for the expenditure of $3,700,000 to allow the lake to be raised would in my view be irresponsible when we have no intention of doing so. The fact that this Government are prepared to spend this sum to allow raising the lake is not without significance.”