Coast council backs locally generated hydro-electricity
By local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
The West Coast Regional Council is calling for the Government to back locally generated hydro-electricity as the country moves away from coal and gas.
The council has submitted on the Government's discussion documents - Advancing New Zealand's Energy Transition - on its local power needs.
The West Coast has some of the highest priced electricity in the country due to the losses of power via transmission lines through the Southern Alps.
The council described a focus on large-scale renewable energy development within the discussion document as "disappointing".
Instead, the council called for local renewable energy generation to be supported as solar and wind generation are "not viable options" for the West Coast.
Submitters for the proposed combined Te Tai o Poutini Plan also called for a more flexible approach to enable electricity generation in the region.
The submissions pointed out the proposed small-scale hydro schemes in the region - namely the Waitaha run-of-river scheme - is needed for the region to be self-sufficient and even an electricity exporter.
The region's community-owned lines company Westpower said that if the region's single biggest manufacturing site, Westland Milk Products, fully switched to electricity it would soak up the entire electricity capacity in the region.
The council said "it is disappointing" the Advancing New Zealand's Energy Transition discussion document appeared to only focus on large-scale renewable energy developments.
"The council's view is that development of local renewable energy sources needs to be supported in a national energy strategy."
It also noted a lack of focus on renewable energy "generated by and for local areas" in the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority's Regional Energy Transition Accelerator report for the West Coast.
That report, released in August, focused on replacing commercial and industrial fossil fuel with biomass and electricity in the region.
"But it does not state where the electricity will be sourced from, and it appears not to support or promote using local renewable resources to generate electricity for local communities," council said.
Instead, support for the development of local renewable energy generation should be clearly stated in the national Emissions Reduction Plan, the National Adaptation Plan, and the national Energy Strategy, council said.
The council goes on to suggest the solar and wind generation options proposed in the discussion document cannot be relied on in future dry generation years.
"Medium to large scale, land-based wind generation is not an option due to our low wind power densities," the council said.
"There is also less sunshine hours and limited flat land available on the West Coast for commercial, medium to large scale, land-based solar generation compared to Canterbury for example."
The Government needed to support "micro, small and medium-scale hydro" as the region had the water and slopes for the schemes.
Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53.1% Yes
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46.9% No
‘Tis the season to not get scammed ...
As Christmas gift shopping moves increasingly online, scammers are ramping up their activity across the country.
Dunedin’s Investigation Support Unit is seeing more and more people fall victim to scams and other fraudulent activity, particularly on Facebook Marketplace.
There are a few ways to avoid the scams and keep yourself safe doing online trades this holiday season, says Southern District Service Delivery Manager Senior Sergeant Dalton.
🔒 “A good first step when looking to purchase something on Marketplace is to check when the seller’s Facebook profile was created. If it’s very recent, there is a higher risk that they have just created this account for a one-off fake item.”
🔒 Another important step is to make sure the seller’s profile name and bank account name match up. “We’re seeing a lot of scammers claiming their bank account name is different because it belongs to their partner or family member - that’s a huge red flag."
🔒 “When you’re selling, never trust a screenshot anyone sends you showing that payment has been made. Check your own bank account to make sure a payment has gone through."
🔒 “Quite frankly, it’s best for all parties to agree to pay, or be paid, for items in cash and in-person. Ideally in a public place with CCTV coverage."
🔒 "If you’re buying a car, check Carjam.co.nz to see if it’s stolen or if there’s money owed on it.”
A reminder: Suspicious activity can be reported on 105
🚧 Big upgrades are on the way for Haast!
Motorists travelling on SH6 near Haast should be ready for some delays, with $5 million worth of work kicking off on important improvements to the highway.
The Gates of Haast Gorge bridge, which connects the 140km journey between Haast and Wānaka, is a crucial link — especially for locals and visitors heading to the West Coast glaciers.
A bit of patience now for safer, stronger roads ahead! 💛
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