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The Mokihinui project is a proposed 100 megawatt hydro station on the Mokihinui River.

The hydro station would generate enough electricity each year for about 50,000 average New Zealand homes.

About Mokihinui

Meridian has withdrawn its applications to the Environment Court for resource consents for the Mokihinui project, a renewable energy development proposal for the West Coast of the South Island.

The decision was difficult and followed a full review of the Mokihinui project and the risks and uncertainties it faced prior to becoming a reality.

The project had a strong business case and would have been beneficial to the West Coast, but it was challenging as the project footprint encroached on Department of Conservation Stewardship land.

Given the positive economics offered by the project and the benefits it would bring to the West Coast, Meridian progressed the project. However, Meridian's recent commercial review of the project determined it was not prudent to proceed further given the high costs and the risks of the process involved – which includes not only securing the resource consents but also land access under the Conservation Act.

Key dates

  • 2007Dec.
    Meridian applies for resource consent to the Buller District Council and West Coast Regional Council
  • 2010Apr.
    Resource consents are granted
  • 2010May
    The resource consent decision is referred to the Environment Court
  • 2011Sept.
    Meridian presents evidence to the Environment Court
  • 2012Feb.
    Appellant’s evidence due to the Environment Court
  • 2012Sept.
    Environment Court hearing scheduled to begin

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