Dams

If you own a dam or canal, or you're planning to construct, modify or remove a dam, canal or structure associated with a dam, you'll need to consider whether you need a consent. Horizons is responsible for dam activities within the Region, and our district advice coordinator is available to assist with consent applications. For more information on this service, please see the factsheet below.

If you have any dam safety-related questions, contact our District Advice team via our online enquiry form.

Tips for completing the online form:

• Search by property address or valuation number (e.g. 11 Victoria Avenue or 12345 678 00). 
• Exclude the town/city in the search field as the database searches by district.
• For rural addresses without road numbers, enter the property by valuation number (remember to tick the valuation number box on the form).
• Find property details and valuation numbers via the District Advice map in our online map gallery. Search for the property by street address, title, or valuation number, or navigate the map manually. You can also find property information via our online Rates Search tool.
• If you need help submitting the form, please email us at district.advice@horizons.govt.nz.  

Building (Dam Safety) Regulations 2022

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.