Wild Rivers Action Project (WRAP)

Wild Rivers Action Project (WRAP) was the initiative of  Rick Barber whose enthusiam infected Tony Haddon, who then contacted Mike Drake and the core group was formed.

The catalyst for the action is the proposed dam on the Mokihinui, but with the governments drive for renewable energy, it was foreseen that this would be the tip of the iceberg. This has now been realised, rivers under immediate threat are; Mokihinui, Matakitaki, Waitaha, Matiri, Motu, Mohaka, Kotuku / Arnold.

We are concerned at the indecent rush to convert prime New Zealand areas, our natural heritage, that can never be replaced, into energy generators. Big business is driving this surge, we can see the New Zealand countryside being despoild by the race for renewable energy sources. Will the New Zealand countryside go the way of the urban development, property developers setting the pace, and face of our towns and cities?

We are not saying no more dams. We are saying let's look more seriously at the demand side of the energy equation, and look at more local generation, for example Haast. Unfortunately big companies are not too interested in small scale plants.

We are saying that businesses do not value our natural beauty, where we see swift flowing rivers, through steep gorges, they see dollars. The dairy industry has been allowed to expand without apparent constraint, again driven by dollars, but this is now biting us back in terms of water quality. Federated Farmers insists we must accept degradation of water quality. If this is applied to energy, must we accept a degredation of our natural heritage. Where are we going?

Perhaps some central management/government needs to take an overview of the New Zealand power system, and come out with a more balanced, and commonsense approach. Not the free-for-all that appears to be happening now. 

So, if you are equally concerned about this indecent haste to take our natural heritage for energy generation, please read and sign our petition. Click Here

Thank you

Tony Haddon

Mike Drake

Rick Barber