News

Westpower Ltd has submitted their application for the Waitaha Hydro Project under the Fast-track Approvals Act*, reinforcing its commitment to a sustainable energy future for New Zealand and the West Coast.

The proposed run-of-river scheme on the Waitaha River will deliver reliable, renewable electricity to support the New Zealand electricity system with a small environmental impact. As a community-owned electricity distributor, Westpower supports the significant regional and national benefits of this project including emissions reductions, economic resilience of the West Coast and nationwide energy security.

The Scheme has been developed in partnership with Poutini Ngāi Tahu – and the partners will work to ensure that the Waitaha River remains a taonga (treasure) for future generations.

“We’ve worked closely with our partners, listened to the key stakeholders including conservation groups, and the community,” says Westpower Ltd Chief Executive Peter Armstrong “and the project has been shaped by years of engagement and evidence-based assessment.”

Westpower Chair, Sue Merriman, said “It is exciting to see the application being submitted under the Fast-track legislation which is designed to enable infrastructure projects. Together with the regional and national electricity benefits, this is a significant project for the West Coast, providing economic benefits during construction for the local economies and generations of consumers and beneficiaries of Westpower and the West Coast Electric Power Trust.”

The Waitaha Hydro Project aligns with national goals for renewable energy. Westpower remains committed to delivering sustainable infrastructure that benefits both current and future generations.

*The Waitaha Hydro Scheme was included in the Schedule 2 of the Fast-track Approvals Act which passed into law in December 2024.