About the project

Meridian applied for resource consents in 2011 to build a hydro scheme on the Waiau River in the Hurunui district of North Canterbury. This project is known as Amuri.

The hydro station would have the capacity to generate about 38 megawatts of electricity.

The proposed hydro scheme will take water from around the Leslie Hills Road Bridge area by a canal.

This water will pass through the power scheme before being returned to the Waiau River up to 29 kilometres downstream, below the Waiau Bridge.

The Waiau River in the Hurunui district

The scheme will operate as a largely run-of-river scheme. This means the flow of water taken will be close to the discharge flow. It will benefit local irrigation.

The project is still in the early planning stages. It is likely to be four or five years before land use consents are applied for. If approved, it could take about a decade before construction begins.

Latest developments

Meridian and Ngāi Tahu Property applied for consents to take, use and discharge water for the hydro scheme on 2 October 2011.

Why build a hydro scheme here?

The Waiau River was identified by Meridian and Ngāi Tahu Property as having the potential to provide for a hydro scheme integrating power generation and irrigation in North Canterbury.

Meridian and Ngāi Tahu Property have been active in Hurunui-Waiau Zone Committee community consultation. This went ahead during the development of the Proposed Hurunui and Waiau River Regional Plan.

The proposed plan is part of the ongoing development of the Canterbury Water Management Strategy. Meridian and Ngāi Tahu Property believe the proposal fulfils the vision and values of the strategy.

Visit Environment Canterbury for more information about the Canterbury Water Management Strategy  

Generating electricity locally would help avoid some transmission losses. These occur when electricity is imported over long distances through the grid from the lower South Island.

The scheme will help reduce the gap between wholesale market prices in upper South Island regions and other areas. This could help reduce the relative costs for electricity retailers. Power price benefits could flow on to consumers.

The project would also give the upper South Island a more secure electricity supply. It would reduce demands on the grid in transferring electricity to upper South Island regions, and provide more services to support the quality of supply.

Open Day - Cheviot 10 May 2012

Meridian and Ngai Tahu Property are holding a third open day to share information and get feedback on the proposed project on Thrusday, 10 May 2012, at the Cheviot Community Hall, Caverhill Road. Drop in anytime between 2.00pm and 7.00pm.