Western Bay of Plenty District Council is looking to remove the Waihī Beach Earth Dam to meet new government earthquake and flood control safety regulations.

Built in the 1960s and originally designed as a water reservoir, providing the town supply until the 1990s, the dam’s more recent role has shifted to managing stormwater and providing recreation. However, it was never designed as a flood protection system.

New thresholds and classifications for dams were introduced under the Building (Dam Safety) Regulations 2022, to improve the overall safety of dams in New Zealand.

Previously, dam safety was primarily governed by the Building Act 2004, which included some basic provisions but did not have the same detailed and specific requirements.

“We see the removal of the dam as an opportunity to improve stormwater management and community safety,”  Council’s Team Lead Capital Projects Rhys Spicer said.

“It will also support better habitat and ecological outcomes, with the potential to enhance community amenities.

“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.”

The council is carrying out detailed surveys of the dam area, surrounding reserve and infrastructure, to help guide potential designs for stream restoration and associated improvements.

The community are also being asked to share their thoughts on how the area, which includes a public reserve and walking tracks, is being used, as well as their thoughts on restoration options.

“This is a chance for us to work together to create a space that enhances the environment and brings people together. We’ll be working closely with the community to shape this space, to ensure it reflects everyone’s needs.

“Whether you use the space for recreation, walking, or group activities, we want to understand how you use the area, any concerns you have and how the changes might affect you,” Spicer said.

People are invited to attend a Coffee and Kōrero event at the Waihī Beach RSA on Saturday February 15, between 10am and 1pm.

Co-hosted with the Waihī Beach Stormwater Liaison group, which includes District Councillors, Council staff, and members of the Community Board and the Stormwater Action Team (SWAT), this is the community’s chance to talk with people who have been involved in this and other stormwater projects over the last 18 months.

Feedback closes 5pm, Monday, February 24 2025.

Join the kōrero:

• Online: For more information and to provide feedback, visit: yourplace.westernbay.govt.nz/waihi-beach-earth-dam
• 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 on Saturday February 15 anytime between 10am-1pm at Waihī Beach RSA, 99 Beach Rd, Waihī Beach.
• Want to speak with someone? You can contact council on their freephone line: 0800 WBOPDC (0800 926 732)
• Email council 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 council on waihi.beach@westernbay.govt.nz to set up a time to come see them