The final round of evidence in the attempt to prevent hydro dams being developed on the Nevis River will be heard in May.
Last year, a special tribunal, appointed by the Ministry for the Environment, heard the majority of the evidence on an application to change the water conservation order on the river.
The final evidence, about flora and fauna which might be affected, will be heard in Dunedin on May 24 and 25.
In 2006, the New Zealand and Otago Fish and Game Councils sought an amendment to the existing water conservation order, with the aim of banning dams and any diversion of the river flow.
Pioneer Generation had plans for hydro development on the river but has not yet sought resource consents for such a venture.
The company holds the leases of the Nevis Valley land required and has entered the tenure review process.
More than 240 people made submissions on the proposed amendment and the hearing began in Cromwell in May last year, with further evidence heard in Dunedin in August.
