Just a reminder that it's the 11th hour - and we're seeking submissions on New Zealand's Energy Strategy. The Government's Draft Report does not make adequate provisions for directing us into an energy future that avoids the huge damage that is wrought by hydro electric dams, and especially proposals like the Mokihinui.
Submissions are due by 5.00 tomorrow (2 Sept).
Email a submission to nzes@med.govt.nz<mailto:nzes@med.govt.nz> by 5pm, THURSDAY 2 SEPTEMBER to protect this river.
Submissions could go along these lines:
Hydro electricity generation needs to be recognised as a serious threat to the retention of values in our rivers such as the Mokihinui. New Zealand is geologically and biologically blessed with rivers of significance. Many of these have been seriously compromised because of hydro electricity generation, and threats to these natural environments continue into the future.
I urge the Government to prepare a renewable energy strategy that supports the development of resources like wind, marine, geothermal, biomass and solar - where these do not compromise the values of the surrounding and receiving environment. Appropriate funding into the research of these alternatives should be a matter of priority.
More effort should also be made to ensure energy efficiencies and conservation measures are implemented on a domestically significant scale.
This especially applies to industry. Only with reducing excessive demand can we manage a real sustainable energy future for New Zealand.