Meridian Energy has continued its commitment to rivers in the Te Anau Basin with a one-off grant to assist Environment Southland's river management work.

Environment Southland Catchment Manager Noel Hinton said Meridian Energy has given $46,000 +GST to the council's work maintenance programme in the Te Anau Basin catchment for the 2011/2012 financial year.

The payment was made following ongoing discussions between Meridian Energy and the council during its Annual Plan process.

The council sought financial contributions from Government and state-owned enterprises which are some of the major landowners, users as well as partners in the management of Te Anau river systems.

Mr Hinton said although the payment was a one-off, the company has agreed to ongoing discussions on future levels of involvement through the upcoming Long Term Plan process.

The contribution illustrated the continuing support provided by the company to the council's work in the basin with the management of the Whitestone, Upukerora and Mararoa rivers, to which Meridian has been a major contributor, Mr Hinton said.