Hawke's Bay Regional Council has decided to defend appeals by environmental groups against the granting of resource consents for the Ruataniwha dam and associated irrigation plans.
The site of the controversial proposed dam, which is part of the Hawke's Bay Ruataniwha Water Storage Scheme. Photo: RNZ
The board of inquiry that considered the proposal has approved 17 consents to build the water storage scheme and associated irrigation works, and Plan Change Six, which sets minimum flows and water quality measures for the Tukituki River catchment.
Fish and Game, Forest and Bird and the Environmental Defence Society are appealing against the board decisions, on points of law.
The regional council said it would defend Plan Change 6 against the appeals, which will be heard in the High Court in Wellington, in November.