Meridian Energy Ltd and the Lower Waitaki River Management Society have had discussions on whether they can resolve their differences over a new $900 million power scheme on the lower Waitaki River.
Society chairman Bill Penno said yesterday the two parties met on Thursday to discuss issues over the north bank tunnel concept power scheme which Meridian wants to build on the river.
Meridian was looking at the concerns raised by the society and the two would meet again next week, Mr Penno said.
At this stage, he could not say whether the two parties could reach an agreement that would resolve the society's appeal to the Environment Court against the scheme.
The society is the only one left of five parties who appealed against Environment Canterbury (ECan) granting water-only consents for the scheme in December.
Ngai Tahu and three runanga, the Ngai Tahu-Mamoe Fishers People and Black Point farmer Garth Dovey will be withdrawing their appeals.
The Waitaki Protection Trust will not now oppose the scheme, although its appeal remains.
