We’re reviewing our dangerous, earthquake-prone and flood-prone dams policy, and welcome public feedback on the draft policy.

The Government’s Building (Dam Safety) regulations were introduced in 2022. They provide a new framework for managing the post-construction safety of dams in Aotearoa/New Zealand.

“The regulations came into effect on 13 May 2024. They provide a nationally consistent approach towards ensuring that dams are, and continue to be, safe, protecting people, property, infrastructure, and the environment,” Senior Strategy Manager Cameron Smith said.

The Building Act 2004 requires regional councils to adopt and implement a policy on dangerous, flood-prone, and earthquake-prone dams.

“Our existing policy does not reflect the new regulations. We have therefore reviewed and drafted a proposed new policy to align with the Government’s regulations,” Smith said.

The proposed policy outlines:

• How we will perform our legislative functions in relation to dangerous, earthquake-prone and flood-prone dams
• Our priorities when performing these functions
• How the policy will apply to heritage dams.

“The Dangerous Dams Policy for Waitaha/Canterbury has been developed alongside those of other regional councils to ensure national consistency in terms of what is expected of those who own dams in more than one area if their structure is found to be dangerous,” Smith said.

Feedback on the proposed policy close at 5pm on 4 October 2024. The feedback form can be found here: Dangerous dams policy | Have Your Say (ecan.govt.nz). Questions can be directed to damsafety@ecan.govt.nz.