The Impact of Energy

Hydro-electricity is renewable - and therefore good - isn't it?

Unfortunately, no. Hydro irreversably destroys river environments - while the water is renewable, wild rivers are not. Our remaining wild rivers are irreplaceable, and are endangered.

New Zealand's hydro history

Hydro-electricity already provides well over half of New Zealand's power needs. We have sacrificed so many wild rivers to hydro-electric generation that very few on the eastern half of the South Island run freely from source to sea. Most large dams date from the Think Big era and, while generating significant power, they have a large footprint on the river systems they have altered.

Other countries

Other countries already have said enough. Tasmania took a stand in the 1980s - the mighty Franklin River is now a National Park centrepiece and global rafting icon instead of a giant dam. The United States is realising its error in damming so many rivers, destroying natural environments and fish passage - they have deconstructed 600 dams in the past decade to attempt to restore river habitat.

New Zealand's choice

New Zealand has already sacrificed many once-wild rivers to hydro-dams. New Zealanders know that, and for the past few decades, hydro was generally recognised as a less desireable generation option. The large environmental footprint was reflected in a lack of public tolerance. It is unsustainable and environmentally reckless to continue to dam wild rivers for more power. This does not mean going without power - there are solutions and alternatives to meet reasonable demand into the future.

The new threat to wild rivers

However, power companies are zeroing in again on our remaining wild rivers. The list of wild rivers tagged for potential hydro is extensive. Because New Zealand's electricity market costing and planning does not differentiate high-impact dams from low-impact forms of renewable energy, our wild rivers are in the firing line. It is now time to say enough to the damming of wild rivers. Some more info:

• Study of cost of eight large hydro schemes
• Costing of several hundred small schemes

Damming wild rivers destroys or puts at risk:

• New Zealand's tourism industries based around wild rivers
• The 100% Pure brand our entire tourism industry banks on
• Kiwi's appreciation of and recreation in the great outdoors - be it tramping, camping, whitewater enjoyment, hunting or fishing
• The river places, riverscapes and wilderness that defines our identity
• The unique and precious ecology of wild rivers that cannot coexist with dams - from blue ducks to long-finned eels
• The preservation of future opportunities and recognition that the number of wild rivers are finite and have unique intrinsic characteristics.

Can we meet our energy needs without dams?

See Energy Solutions for how we can meet our reasonable energy needs without damming more rivers, or burning fossil fuels.