New Zealanders should be pleased that plans to dam the Hurunui River have been deferred, but concerned that the Hurunui Water Project (HWP) could be using taxpayer funds to circulate misleading propaganda, the Green Party said today.
"The many New Zealanders who oppose damming the Hurunui River would be horrified to hear that their money might be spent on promoting the dam," Green Party Co-leader Dr Russel Norman said.
The HWP announced yesterday that it would put its consents process on hold for up to a year to avoid a court battle with opponents.
"It's good news that the project has been deferred, but it would be great news if it was dropped altogether," Dr Norman said.
"The HWP obviously realises that its dam is very unpopular, which is why it has deferred its consents and is going out of its way to produce pro-dam propaganda," Dr Norman said.
Dr Norman was alarmed to discover that the HWP has received two lots of funding from the Government's Community Irrigation Fund (CIF), totalling $112,500, which it can spend on promotional activities.
"I seriously question whether funding the production of propaganda for a dam that would only benefit private interests is an appropriate use of public money," Dr Norman said.
"Material produced so far by the HWP to promote its scheme includes a plastic water bottle emblazoned with a beautiful image of the Hurunui and the phrase 'Water for our Future.' One thing's for sure - the Hurunui will look nothing like that after it has been dammed."
As well as money from the CIF, the HWP has received $610,000 from the Government's Sustainable Farming Fund, taking the total taxpayer contribution to the development of the scheme so far to $722,500.
"This dam would drastically damage the only river on the east coast of the South Island that still runs unimpeded from mountain to sea via a large natural inland lake," Dr Norman said.
"The Hurunui is an important habitat for native birds and fish and is a popular spot for kayaking, angling, and white-water rafting.
"There is huge opposition to this proposal, which is why Green Party Co-leader Metiria Turei and I will be joining the Hurunui Dambusters march from the Bridge of Remembrance along the Avon to Victoria Square in Christchurch tomorrow lunchtime.
"We are particularly concerned that, despite receiving considerable public funding, the HWP has not held a public consultation meeting in Christchurch, where many Hurunui River users live," Dr Norman said.
Dr Norman will address the rally at Victoria Square following the march.
References:
More information on the HWP's proposals to dam the Hurunui River: http://www.completeangler.co.nz/info-xidc60582.html
Background information about the CIF, including what it can be spent on: http://www.maf.govt.nz/mafnet/rural-nz/cif/page.htm
Download images of the HWP's 'Water for our Future' water bottle: http://www.greens.org.nz/sites/default/files/images/PA140125.JPG and http://www.greens.org.nz/sites/default/files/images/PA140132.JPG
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