Meridian Energy could have the best Christmas present possible - water finally approved for a new $900 million power scheme on the lower Waitaki River.
An interim decision on December 1 by three Environment Canterbury commissioners, headed by former Environment Court judge Prof Peter Skelton, granted four resource consents to divert, take, use and discharge water for its North Bank tunnel scheme between the Waitaki dam and Stonewall, near Ikawai.
However, that approval was subject to the commissioners being satisfied on some issues they had regarding consent conditions.
Yesterday in Christchurch, the commissioners heard from Meridian and other parties on the outstanding issues, and these appear to have been resolved.
That is likely to be finalised today, and a final decision granting consent issued by Christmas.
That decision would still be subject to any appeals to the Environment Court, a step some opponents have indicated they will take.
