8 Mar 2011

Mayor to lead campaign to block tidal power station

10:22 am on 8 March 2011

The mayor of the Kaipara district is to lead an 11th hour bid to block a tidal power station in the harbour.

Crest Energy has consent to place three large turbines in the harbour mouth.

A public meeting in Dargaville on Monday night voted to fight on after Maori hapu Te Uri o Hau lost a court bid to stop the tidal power station.

Mayor Neil Tiller told the meeting he is opposed because the technology is largely untried and there is a risk to marine life and the harbour.

South Kaipara people are planning similar public meetings.

The final decision rests with Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson.