FAQs

The Waihī Beach Earth Dam was built in the 1960s as a water reservoir. While it no longer provides the town’s water supply, it now plays a role in stormwater management and recreation.

The dam however, no longer meets modern Large Dam Safety Regulation requirements which came into force in 2024. The new government regulations require dams to be able to withstand significant flood and earthquake events, and expert advice confirms keeping the dam in its current form is not an option. 

As part of the dam safety regulations, Council is required to have a Dam Safety Assurance Programme (DSAP) which sets out how the Council will operate, monitor, inspect, and manage the safety of the dam throughout its life. 

Council’s current DSAP's next review will be due in 2030 and Council is targeting to meet all dam safety standards required by the regulations before this review in 2030.

Recent severe weather events have also highlighted ongoing flood risks throughout the catchment. Regardless of whether the dam is removed or upgraded, improvements will be needed to manage flooding effects downstream in One Mile Creek catchment.

Our goal is to find a safe, resilient, and sustainable solution that supports the community, environment, and surrounding area.

1. Safer infrastructure

We need to ensure the dam meets current safety and regulatory requirements.

2. Better stormwater management

We’re exploring ways to improve how stormwater is managed during significant rainfall events.

3. Better environmental outcomes

We want the local environment to benefit from stream health, biodiversity, and habitat for native species.

4. Enhanced community spaces

We want to create opportunities for better recreational and open spaces for the community.

While it is recognised that dam currently provides some flood relief to downstream properties, the dam no longer meets modern Large Dam Safety Regulation requirements which came into force in 2024.  

The dam sits at the top of a wider catchment that drains through One Mile Creek, the campground area and out to the coast. Investigations following major storm events, including the May 2023 storms, confirmed significant flood hazards exist throughout parts of the catchment. Modelling has shown that any solution for the dam will impact flooding downstream.

To make the dam and surrounding area safer, Council is required to make changes to the dam. 

Upgrades would include increasing the capacity of the spillway so that larger storm events can safely pass through the dam. While this would improve dam safety, it would also reduce much of the flood attenuation benefit currently provided by the dam during large storm events.

As a result, upgrading the dam would not remove the need to address downstream flood risk. Council would still need to investigate and implement additional flood management measures for downstream properties.

Council's current preferred option is dam removal because it:

• Provides the safest long-term outcome for the community by removing the risks associated with owning and operating a large dam
• Removes the ongoing regulatory and compliance obligations associated with large dams
• Eliminates the risk of future dam safety deficiencies requiring further major investment
• Avoids substantial future expenditure on dam upgrades while still requiring separate downstream flood mitigation works
• Has lower construction and long-term operational risks than retaining and upgrading the dam. 

While dam removal would also increase flood flows downstream and require flood mitigation measures to be implemented, Council considers it to be the more sustainable and lower-risk long-term solution than retaining and upgrading the dam.

As part of dam removal, the concrete dam structures will be removed and the dam’s height will be lowered while keeping most of the existing earth embankment in place.  

The two streams that flow into One Mile Creek will be restored to a more natural state. This will involve significant earthworks, stream naturalisation and removal of the dam structures. 

Additionally, enhancements can be made to the reserve area for public amenities. 

To accommodate additional stormwater flows once the dam is removed, One Mile Creek will need to be upgraded to convey the additional flows. 

Sections of the creek would be widened and improved, including straightening the alignment where possible.

A bridge would be required to replace the existing culvert under Beach Road. 

We are currently engaging with landowners whose properties are directly downstream of the dam.

While it is recognised that dam currently provides some flood relief to downstream properties, the dam no longer meets modern Large Dam Safety Regulation requirements which came into force in 2024.  

The dam sits at the top of a wider catchment that drains through One Mile Creek, the campground area and out to the coast. Investigations following major storm events, including the May 2023 storms, confirmed significant flood hazards exist throughout parts of the catchment. Modelling has shown that any solution for the dam will impact flooding downstream.

To make the dam and surrounding area safer, Council is required to make changes to the dam. 

Upgrades to the dam would include increasing the capacity of the spillway so that larger storm events can safely pass through the dam. While this would improve dam safety, it would also reduce much of the flood attenuation benefit currently provided by the dam during large storm events.

As a result, upgrading the dam would not remove the need to address downstream flood risk. Council would still need to investigate and implement additional flood management measures for downstream properties.

Council's current preferred option is dam removal because it:

• Provides the safest long-term outcome for the community by removing the risks associated with owning and operating a large dam.
• Removes the ongoing regulatory and compliance obligations associated with large dams.
• Eliminates the risk of future dam safety deficiencies requiring further major investment.
• Avoids substantial future expenditure on dam upgrades while still requiring separate downstream flood mitigation works.
• Has lower construction and long-term operational risks than retaining and upgrading the dam. 

While dam removal would also increase flood flows downstream and require flood mitigation measures to be implemented, Council considers it to be the more sustainable and lower-risk long-term solution than retaining and upgrading the dam.

The Waihī Beach Earth Dam currently operates under a certified Dam Safety Assurance Programme (DSAP). 

The DSAP provides a framework for dam monitoring, maintenance, inspections, emergency planning, and ongoing safety reviews. 

Council has an Emergency Action Plan that outlines how potential dam incidents are managed.

The Waihī Beach Dam is monitored and inspected regularly to help identify issues early.

Dam conditions are continuously monitored and assessed, particularly during heavy rainfall, storms, and following earthquakes.

Emergency response procedures are activated if a situation has the potential to affect public safety.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council works closely with Emergency Management Bay of Plenty, Police, Fire and Emergency NZ, and St John. If an emergency occurs, warnings and evacuation instructions will be issued by emergency services.

The dam sits at the top of a wider catchment that drains through One Mile Creek, the campground area and out to the coast.

Investigations following major storm events, including the May 2023 storms, confirmed significant flood hazards exist throughout parts of the catchment. Modelling has shown that any solution for the dam will impact flooding downstream.

Key challenges include:

• Managing flood risks for people, property and community assets
• Working within an established urban environment
• Maintaining access to important community facilities and infrastructure
• Balancing flood resilience with environmental and community values.

One Mile Creek supports important ecological values and provides habitat for native species, including tuna kuwharuwharu (long-finned eels). The stream corridor also contains mature vegetation and opportunities for ecological restoration.

The project is exploring opportunities to:

• Increase indigenous planting
• Protect native wildlife habitats
• Improve fish passage
• Enhance stream health and biodiversity
• Restore and naturalise sections of the stream corridor.

Environmental specialists are helping guide design decisions to ensure ecological values are protected and enhanced wherever possible.

The north end of Waihī Beach forms part of a significant cultural and archaeological landscape with a long history of Māori occupation and land use. 

Archaeological sites have been recorded throughout the wider area surrounding dam, stream and the campground, reflecting the areas importance for settlement, food gathering and cultivation, with some occupation continuing into the early 1900s.

Project planning is taking into consideration:

• Known archaeological sites
• Potential discovery of previously unknown archaeological material
• Cultural values associated with the area
• Heritage New Zealand requirements
• Ongoing engagement with mana whenua.

The project area includes several important community assets and neighbouring properties. These include:

• Tasman Holiday Parks campground
• Waihī Beach Surf Club
• Beach Road access
• Adjacent residential properties
• Public reserves and walking areas
• Water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure.

Discussions are ongoing with property owners in relation to the upgrades to the One Mile Creek Downstream Catchment that would be required to accommodate additional stormwater flows due to dam removal. 

Out of respect for property owners who may be potentially impacted, and for confidentiality reasons, we are unable to share details with the wider community that we have not shared directly with impacted landowners prior. Once discussions with property owners are complete, we’ll be able to share more detail with the community.

By improving One Mile Creek’s capacity and implementing flood management measures, the project will reduce flooding risk and create a safer environment for residents and visitors.

While it is recognised that dam currently provides some flood relief to downstream properties, the dam no longer meets modern Large Dam Safety Regulation requirements which came into force in 2024.  

The dam sits at the top of a wider catchment that drains through One Mile Creek, the campground area and out to the coast. Investigations following major storm events, including the May 2023 storms, confirmed significant flood hazards exist throughout parts of the catchment. Modelling has shown that any solution for the dam will impact flooding downstream.

To make the dam and surrounding area safer, Council is required to make changes to the dam.  

The removal of the dam and landscaping of the area will also provide new recreational opportunities for the community. 

We are currently working towards establishing an estimate for the works which will be updated post engagement with affected landowners.

We are currently working towards establishing an estimate for the works which will be updated post engagement with affected landowners.

Discussions around how this project will be funded are currently taking place. Further information will be shared following the outcome of these discussions.

Discussions between Council and the new joint Water Services Organisation on how the dam, and this project, will be managed are currently underway. Further information will be shared following the outcome of these discussions. 

Discussions are ongoing with property owners in relation to the upgrades to the One Mile Creek Downstream Catchment that would be required to accommodate additional stormwater flows due to dam removal. 

Out of respect for property owners who may be potentially impacted, and for confidentiality reasons, we are unable to share details with the wider community that we have not shared directly with impacted landowners prior. Once discussions with property owners are complete, we’ll be able to share more detail with the community.

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. 

Community priorities include:

• Better stormwater management

• Wetland and stream restoration

• Habitat enhancement for native species

• Protection of walking tracks

• Recreation and learning opportunities.

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.

Community feedback continues to shape this project and there’ll be opportunities for the community to provide input at various parts of the project’s development. 

The exact timeline for the project is yet to be determined however it is anticipated that the project will take three-to four years to complete. We need to have a solution in place by 2030, which is when the DSAP needs to be revised. 

We’ll keep the community informed on progress, providing regular updates on next steps, expected timelines, and key milestones.

As with all construction-related projects, some disruptions, such as temporary road closures, construction noise and restricted access to certain areas, are anticipated. We will work closely with the community to minimise these impacts and keep everyone informed about what to expect and timing.

Council’s website is regularly updated to provide the latest information on the project. We will also provide updates through community newsletters and open days.   

For more information, and to subscribe for email updates, visit Your Place Tō Wāhi: yourplace.westernbay.govt.nz/waihi-beach-earth-dam

If you have further questions, you can: 

• Freephone: 0800 WBOPDC (0800 926 732)
• Email: waihi.beach@westernbay.govt.nz