The Lower Waitaki River Management Society yesterday confirmed it would go ahead with its Environment Court appeal against Meridian's $900 million North Bank tunnel concept power scheme after mediation last week failed.
It was the last of five appeals before the court, due to be heard from June 22 in Oamaru and Christchurch, after four other appellants either withdrew or decided not to oppose the scheme.
Society chairman Bill Penno said his committee and Meridian met last week to see if issues could be resolved.
"We have sent Meridian a reply to their proposals after considering them at length.
We have indicated to Meridian we do not think it is worth continuing with further discussions," he said.
Mr Penno said Meridian's proposal and the sheer amount of water it needed went against the basic objective of the society - to protect and enhance the lower Waitaki River.
"There are still important questions to be asked about the effect of the proposal on the sustainability of the river system.
"The fairest way to do that is to go to a hearing at the Environment Court," he said.
The society was preparing its case to the court and expected to call nine expert witnesses.
"It is a David and Goliath situation, but it is important we indicate quite clearly what we believe should happen."
The society has a $40,000 grant from the Ministry of the Environment's legal fund along with donations to help pay for the appeal.
However, it would welcome further donations, Mr Penno said.
Meridian wants to build a power scheme on the lower Waitaki River between the Waitaki dam and Stonewall.
