Federated Mountain Clubs (FMC) is taking the next step to protect Griffin Creek, a unique West Coast river, from excessive and unnecessary use by the proposed hydro scheme.

Griffin Creek is treasured by many outdoor Kiwi communities and individuals as a significant place of natural beauty and recreational value. In 2011 Griffin Creek Hydro Ltd’s (GCHL) initial concession to build a small hydro scheme on the creek was approved. In October 2023 FMC took GCHL and the Department of Conservation (DOC) to the High Court over the maximum water intake that GCHL is allowed to take from the creek to generate power through the scheme. 

The High Court judge dismissed FMC’s claim for the limit of the maximum water intake, which has been specified in the GHCL application to DOC, but not in the concession issued by DOC. FMC believes there is an error in judgement and is now appealing the High Court Decision in the Court of Appeal, with a hearing date set down for May 15th, 2024.

The amount of water extracted from the creek can drastically affect the existence of the creek, its  biodiversity values, which in return diminishes its recreational values as well. We aim to protect the natural and recreational values of Griffin Creek.

As a canyon, Griffin Creek is nationally significant and one of the premier canyons in Aotearoa. According to the Canyoning NZ Guidebook, Griffin Creek is “one of the longest, most varied and beautiful high volume canyons in the country”. With drastically disturbed water flow, the creek and its recreational possibilities would be greatly degraded if not completely lost. Griffin Creek is a part of a wild West Coast rivers whānau, which as a whole are remarkable internationally. As a pristine example of New Zealand’s stunning, remote and wild river, with rich and unique ecosystems, it is a piece of natural treasure that needs protecting. Its crystal pools and powerful waterfalls are home to many of our taonga.

“Alongside the Canyoning Association, FMC has worked on the Griffin case since 2018,” says FMC President Megan Dimozantos. “Before the case reached the Court this year, FMC won the first argument on the minimal residual flow. The appeal is just one of the steps we are taking towards clarifying the concession processes and how conservation legislation is applied and interpreted, in order to protect our wild places for future generations to enjoy.”

 

Photo: Griffin Creek, (c) Ben Sarten