A lobby group in Hawke's Bay is challenging moves to fast track the proposed Ruataniwha dam and irrigation scheme.
The project, which could cost up to $600 million, is to have fast-track hearings by a ministerial board of inquiry.
Transparent Hawke's Bay unsuccessfully tried to have the project delayed to allow for an independent assessment of environmental and financial assumptions used by the regional council.
Chairperson Pauline Elliott said very little is known about the financial and economic viability of the project and she and other people are sceptical about the costs and benefits.
