Waitaha Run Of River Hydro Scheme
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Building a Resilient Future for the West Coast and New Zealand.
The Waitaha River is the treasured taonga of Poutini Ngāi Tahu (Te Rūnanga o Makaawhio and Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Waewae) and is located in South Westland on the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand.
Westpower and Poutini Ngāi Tahu are close partners in developing the proposal for the Waitaha Hydro Scheme. This page contains all the information you need to know about the Waitaha scheme.
What is the Waitaha Run of River Hydro Scheme?
Westpower's Environmental Responsibility
Economic and Community Benefits
Partnership with Poutini Ngāi Tahu
What Makes This Project Different?
Government Support and Fast-Track Approval
Consultation and Community Engagement
Waitaha Disclosures
Waitaha News
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Can I Learn More?
What is the Waitaha Run of River Hydro Scheme?
Westpower is developing a renewable energy project: the Waitaha Hydro Scheme, located on the Waitaha River, in the Morgan Gorge, in South Westland.
This run-of-river hydroelectric scheme will generate 120-140 GWh (Gigawatt hours) per year, enough electricity to power approximately 12,000 homes. The project will produce a maximum output of 23 MW (megawatts), significantly enhancing electricity supply reliability on the West Coast and reducing reliance on electricity generated in other parts of the country.
The scheme's design prioritises environmental sensitivity by utilising a run-of-river approach that eliminates the need for a dam or storage lake. A small weir will divert a proportion of the water into a tunnel and then down to a powerhouse, before being returned to the river, ensuring minimal impact on the river's natural flow.
Overview of the Waitaha Run of River Hydro Scheme Location
Explore the key elements of the proposed Waitaha Run of River Hydro Scheme and how these components seamlessly fit together to create a sustainable and efficient energy solution.
Why the Waitaha Hydro Scheme is Important to New Zealand
Hear from our CEO for an overview of how the Waitaha Hydro Scheme will operate and support New Zealand's growing electricity demands sustainably.
The importance of ecology and minimising environmental impact
Rodger Griffiths discusses the critical role of ecology and the measures being taken to ensure the natural values of the Waitaha Valley are protected.
Westpower's Environmental Responsibility
Environmental stewardship is central to the Waitaha Hydro Scheme.
The project is situated within Department of Conservation (DOC) stewardship land and requires concessions for its development. In line with our commitment to environmental sustainability, Westpower has commissioned a range of ecological studies to minimise the project's environmental footprint. These studies cover aquatic ecology, native species conservation, and vegetation assessments, all aimed at avoiding, remedying, or mitigating potential adverse effects through careful design and planning.
Our ecological research has uncovered valuable insights about the Waitaha catchment, including the discovery of a significant long-tailed bat population and new data on native fish species. These findings will play a crucial role in the ongoing protection and management of the area's unique natural heritage and the scheme has been carefully designed to reduce the risk of any harm to these species.
Partnership with Poutini Ngāi Tahu
The Waitaha Hydro Scheme is a collaborative effort between Westpower and Poutini Ngāi Tahu, the mana whenua of the West Coast.
Together, we share the common values of kaitiakitanga (guardianship), ensuring that the Waitaha River remains a taonga (treasure) for future generations. This partnership ensures that the hydro project aligns with both environmental sustainability and cultural values, with both Westpower and Poutini Ngāi Tahu working towards long-term solutions for the community.
Economic and Community Benefits
The Waitaha Hydro Scheme will provide several benefits for the West Coast:
Energy Security and Self-Sufficiency:
The scheme will reduce the need to import electricity, improving the reliability and security of power supply to the West Coast.Job Creation and Economic Growth:
The construction phase of the project will stimulate the local economy, creating jobs and increasing demand for goods and services. Once operational, the scheme will continue to generate employment through local contractors and maintenance.Sustainable Energy Source:
The scheme will generate renewable electricity, and is equivalent to reducing carbon emissions by about 59,000 cars. Reducing the West Coast's reliance on fossil fuels and contributing to New Zealand's goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
What Makes This Project Different
Unlike traditional hydroelectric projects that require large dams, the Waitaha Hydro Scheme is designed as a run-of-river system. This approach preserves the river's natural flow and avoids large-scale flooding. The project features a small weir that redirects some of the water without fully blocking the river, ensuring minimal disruption to the surrounding ecosystem.
Government Support and Fast-Track Approval
The Waitaha Hydro Scheme has been included in the Schedule 2 of the Fast-Track Approvals Bill, announced by the New Zealand government in October 2024.
This fast-tracking means the project can move forward quickly, ensuring that the community benefits from the renewable energy as soon as possible. This marks a significant step toward the realisation of the project and highlights the importance of renewable energy in New Zealand's future.
Consultation and Community Engagement
Westpower has provided opportunities for consultation throughout the development process, ensuring that the concerns of local communities and stakeholders are taken into account.
We are committed to ongoing dialogue and transparent communication as the project progresses. We believe in listening to the community and working together to ensure that the scheme meets the needs of everyone involved.
Waitaha Disclosures
Application for Concessions and Assessment of Effects.
Waitaha News
News and announcements regarding the Waitaha Hydro Scheme.
07 October 2024
Waitaha Hydro Project becomes possible through Fast Track Approvals process
“The largest investment in renewable energy on the West Coast in a generation has taken a major step forward today” says Westpower1 chief executive, Peter Armstrong.
01 September 2019
Update: Waitaha Hydro Scheme
In July 2014, Westpower submitted an application for concessions from the Minister of Conservation to enable the proposed scheme to progress.
Frequently Asked Questions
We encourage you to stay informed and continue to engage with us throughout the project. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to contact us.