Buller's mayor believes a silent majority supports Meridian Energy's planned hydro dam project on the West Coast.
The company wants to dam the Mokihinui River, north of Westport, for a power scheme which would double generation for the region.
A resource hearing starts on Monday on the project which opponents say will forever change the river, affecting fish species as well as flora.
But Pat McManus says the scheme is badly needed to retain and attract new industry and its environmental footprint would be relatively small.
