- Waitaha River hydro scheme by Westpower Ltd – The Department of Conservation has given notice that it intends to grant a concession. The proposed project will divert water through a tunnel and significantly reduce flow through Morgan Gorge. Submissions to DOC are now open, due November 14, 2016. (have your say)
- Local council plan reviews – currently submitting on Buller District Council Plan (more) and Coastal Plan (more)
- National Park Management Plan reviews – currently submitting for the Paparoa National Park (hearing in Greymouth August 18 – more), and Tai Poutini Westland National Park (submissions due October 21, 2016 – more)
- Reclassification of stewardship land – The West Coast has the vast majority of Public Conservation Land in NZ and a considerable amount of this is still classified as ‘stewardship land’ with limited legal protection. Our branch has this issue high on our priorities.
- Highlighting climate change issues – we hosted the F&B climage change roadshow in July and follow issues that affect and arise from climate change in our area.
- Mt Te Kuha – a new coal mine 10km SE of Westport is currently being proposed and an access arrangement is being considered by the Department of Conservation (more) and Buller District Council. Part of the proposed mining area is on Buller District Council Water Conservation Reserve. Submissions to the council are due September 16, 2016 (more)
- Resource consent applications – submissions made when they are notified
- Pest control – Rainy Creek Ecological Restoration Project near Reefton
- Protecting the Westland petrel colony near Punakaiki (more)
- Fighting degradation of coastal lowland forest
- Adding the Mokihinui River catchment to Kahurangi National Park
In addition to the issues above, we get involved in consultation on environmental matters. We attended a meeting held by the Local Government Commission on the Regional Efficiency Initiative for the West Coast. Branch members were also encouraged to write submissions especially on Resource Management Act (RMA) management on the West Coast.
We are open to concerns from members and non-members about conservation issues in the region. For example, if you see earth works, native tree felling, river/creek diversion, pollution or other environmental degradation, please feel free to contact us: westcoast.branch@forestandbird.org.nz