Matiri River
Created around 400 years ago by an enormous earthquake slip, granite boulders converged on a bottle neck in the Matiri River, damming the waters flowing from the southern entrance to Kahurangi National Park, and creating a natural barrier that only longfin eels can venture past. In flood the waters tumble down over these house sized boulders and flow into the mighty Kawatiri/Buller River.
A wildlife refuge, and haven for numerous water fowl, the lake is slowly infilling due to the massive floods and sediment that traverse the river beds above. Only the brave venture to kayak the tumultuous section of the river just below the lake, although in flood, the lower river can be a drawcard to locals.
Trampers use this route to access the 100 and 1000 acre plateaus within Kahurangi National Park.
Who's Planning to Destroy the wild Matiri River
The Threat to the Matiri River
New Zealand Energy Limited (NZEL) has sought resource consent and a Department of Conservation concession to concrete the exit to the lake, and divert the water into a piped hydro electricity scheme supplying around 9MW.
(20 October) NEWS UPDATE: NZ Energy Ltd have just received consent to proceed with this scheme. The DOC concession announcement is pending.
Organisations Supporting the Matiri River
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