Waihī Beach Earth Dam: What happens next?

What are we planning for the dam?

New government safety regulations require all dams to meet stricter standards for flood control and earthquake resilience. The current Waihī Beach Earth Dam does not comply with these regulations, which means substantial upgrading would be necessary to meet these modern safety requirements. While upgrading the dam to meet the new standards is an option, it would involve significant costs and challenges, without improving the stormwater issues in the community.

It's also important to remember that the dam, built in the 1960s, was originally designed as a water reservoir, providing the town water supply until the 90s. It was not designed as a flood protection system. More recently the dam’s role has shifted to managing stormwater and providing recreation.

As part of this project, it is likely that the dam will be removed, and the reservoir will no longer function as a dam. This necessary step will ensure it meets safety regulations, plus provide an opportunity to improve stormwater management and community safety. It will also support better habitat and ecological outcomes, while creating the potential to enhance community amenities.

We want to hear from you!

As part of this process, we are seeking feedback from the community on how the current dam area, which includes a public reserve and walking tracks, is being used. Whether you use the space for recreation, walking, or group activities, your input is important to us. We want to understand how you interact with the area, what concerns you may have, and how any changes might affect you. Your feedback will help shape the future of this space as we explore restoration options. Please provide feedback by 5pm, Monday 24 February 2024 when consultation closes.

What’s next?

We’re taking the next steps to ensure the project meets both regulatory requirements and community needs. This includes detailed surveys of the dam area, surrounding reserve, and infrastructure. These surveys will inform the development of potential designs for the stream restoration and associated improvements.

Following this kōrero, we’ll develop concept designs that will be shared with the community for feedback, ensuring that the project aligns with the best interests of Waihī Beach.

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

• Come to the Coffee and Kōrero event. Talk to Council staff, District Councillors, SWAT (Stormwater Action Team) and Community Board members, who have been involved in stormwater projects over the last 18 months. Have questions about the earth dam, or other stormwater projects? Ask them.
  • Come along to the Waihī Beach RSA, 99 Beach Rd, Waihī Beach, Sat 15 Feb, anytime between 10am - 1pm.
• Want to speak with someone? You can contact us on our freephone line: 0800 WBOPDC (0800 926 732)
• Email us at waihi.beach@westernbay.govt.nz
• If you are part of a community group or organisation who would like to give collective feedback, please email us on waihi.beach@westernbay.govt.nz to set up a time to come see us.

Consultation closes at 5pm, Monday 24 February 2024.

Privacy Act 2020: This form and the details of your submission will be publicly available as part of the decision making process. The information will be held at Western Bay of Plenty District Council, Head Office, 1484 Cameron Road, Tauranga. Submitters have the right to access and correct their personal information.