Read our Dams factsheet (1.5MB PDF)
As expected, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) recently announced new regulations around dam safety. The regulations take effect from 13 May 2024, giving dam owners two years to prepare for their dam safety responsibilities. The regulations aim to protect people, property and the environment from the potential impacts of dam failures and set a minimum requirement for dam safety. They also promote regular monitoring and surveillance practices, as dam owners will be responsible for maintaining them to acceptable safety levels. Detailed information and resources to support dam owners, technical practitioners and regional authorities with their responsibilities are available on MBIE’s website. MBIE have produced a helpful dam safety guidance document which Horizons District Advice highly recommend you read. Dam safety frequently asked questions are available on Waikato Regional Council's website.
The Building Act 2004 introduced legislation for managing the safety of existing and new dams in New Zealand. Under this Act, regional councils must have a policy on how they will deal with dangerous dams, earthquake-prone dams and flood-prone dams in their region.
The Manawatū-Whanganui Region has a number of large dams that are used for a variety of purposes including hydroelectric generation, water supply, flood control, irrigation, farm stock supply and recreation. This policy was developed to help reduce the risk of dam failure in Manawatū-Whanganui Region.
Dam owners have the primary responsibility for identifying, monitoring and reporting on dangerous, earthquake-prone and flood-prone dams and for reducing or removing the risk of harm to people, property and the environment in a timely and effective manner.
An engineer engaged (by the owner) will notify the Council and the owner of the dam if he or she or they believe that the dam is dangerous.
This policy is currently under review to align with the new dam safety regulations. You can read the proposed policy and provide feedback here. Consultation closes on 22 April 2024. View a copy of the current Dangerous Dams Policy here.
If you have any dam related questions, contact our District Advice team via our online enquiry form. Tips for completing the online form: