Waihī Beach Earth Dam

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Welcome to the Waihi Beach Earth Dam project page, where you'll find the latest updates and information about the future of this important space.


Background


The Waihī Beach Earth Dam was built in the 1960s as a water reservoir, providing the town water supply until the 90s. It was not designed as a flood protection system, but more recently the dam’s role has shifted to managing stormwater and providing recreational benefit.

Severe weather events, including the evacuation of the campground in January and March this year, has highlighted how sensitive this area is and how wide-ranging the impacts of flooding can be for residents, visitors, and local businesses.

The Earth Dam no longer meets modern dam safety standards, meaning changes are required. New government regulations require dams to be able to withstand significant flood and earthquake events, and keeping the dam in its current form is not an option.

Our investigations have shown that changing the dam may also affect how stormwater moves through the wider catchment. As part of the ongoing design process, a range of options are being considered to help manage these changes, including potential improvements within One Mile Creek.

Work to date:

  • In 2025, we asked the community how you use the Earth Dam reserve and what about it matters most to you. The feedback received through Your Place and at the community event has played an integral part in guiding this work. You can read the feedback summary here, which captures what we have heard from you - including how you currently use the area, what you value, and what you'd like to see in future.
  • Extensive investigations and feasibility design have now been completed, based on removal of the dam as an option.
  • The work has focused on identifying practical ways to remove the dam and manage the increased flood risk. Early engagement has been undertaken with key stakeholders including the Stormwater Liaison Group, Tasman Holiday Parks, Surf Club, mana whenua, and affected landowners.

What’s next:

Later this month, including at the Open Day, we’ll share more information and the next steps for the project, including what this means for the Earth Dam and the One Mile Creek downstream catchment.

If you'd like to keep updated on the project, click on the 'Stay informed' button on the top right-hand-side of the page. Alternatively, if you have more questions or comments about this project, please email info@westernbay.govt.nz, or phone Council on 0800 926 732.


Got more pātai (questions), or want to talk to us?

  • Want to speak with someone? You can contact us on our freephone line: 0800 WBOPDC (0800 926 732)
  • Email us at info@westernbay.govt.nz.


Welcome to the Waihi Beach Earth Dam project page, where you'll find the latest updates and information about the future of this important space.


Background


The Waihī Beach Earth Dam was built in the 1960s as a water reservoir, providing the town water supply until the 90s. It was not designed as a flood protection system, but more recently the dam’s role has shifted to managing stormwater and providing recreational benefit.

Severe weather events, including the evacuation of the campground in January and March this year, has highlighted how sensitive this area is and how wide-ranging the impacts of flooding can be for residents, visitors, and local businesses.

The Earth Dam no longer meets modern dam safety standards, meaning changes are required. New government regulations require dams to be able to withstand significant flood and earthquake events, and keeping the dam in its current form is not an option.

Our investigations have shown that changing the dam may also affect how stormwater moves through the wider catchment. As part of the ongoing design process, a range of options are being considered to help manage these changes, including potential improvements within One Mile Creek.

Work to date:

  • In 2025, we asked the community how you use the Earth Dam reserve and what about it matters most to you. The feedback received through Your Place and at the community event has played an integral part in guiding this work. You can read the feedback summary here, which captures what we have heard from you - including how you currently use the area, what you value, and what you'd like to see in future.
  • Extensive investigations and feasibility design have now been completed, based on removal of the dam as an option.
  • The work has focused on identifying practical ways to remove the dam and manage the increased flood risk. Early engagement has been undertaken with key stakeholders including the Stormwater Liaison Group, Tasman Holiday Parks, Surf Club, mana whenua, and affected landowners.

What’s next:

Later this month, including at the Open Day, we’ll share more information and the next steps for the project, including what this means for the Earth Dam and the One Mile Creek downstream catchment.

If you'd like to keep updated on the project, click on the 'Stay informed' button on the top right-hand-side of the page. Alternatively, if you have more questions or comments about this project, please email info@westernbay.govt.nz, or phone Council on 0800 926 732.


Got more pātai (questions), or want to talk to us?

  • Want to speak with someone? You can contact us on our freephone line: 0800 WBOPDC (0800 926 732)
  • Email us at info@westernbay.govt.nz.


  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

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