The Tukituki Water Security Project (TWSP) has today taken another important step forward, with Hon Mark Patterson, Associate Minister for Regional Development, announcing an $18 million loan from the Government's Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) to support the project's progression through its next phase.

New NZIER modelling from 2026 forecasts that the TWSP project will provide a significant increase to regional GDP and jobs.

Climate projections from February 2026 point to reduced river flows and worsening droughts, particularly in spring and El Niño summers.

Tukituki Water Security Ltd commences feasibility phase of work on the Tukituki Water Security Project, with feasibility co-funding secured. The co-funding allows the first drawdown of a Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) grant of up to $3 million to assess the dam’s feasibility.

Former Waimea Water Ltd CEO Mike Scott has been appointed as the Tukituki Water Security Project Chief Executive. At Waimea Water Ltd Mike was responsible for the design, construction and commissioning of the Waimea Community Dam, which was commissioned in 2024.

Regional Development Minister Shane Jones has announced the allocation of up to $3 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund for pre-construction development of the Tukituki Water Security Project.

The $3 million grant for the project, which is being co-funded by the Tukituki Water Security Project, is limited to work to investigate the technical, environmental, and commercial viability and design of water storage site and distribution network on Makaroro River.

The Tukituki Water Security Project (TWSP) has been included in the Fast-track Approvals Bill Schedule 2. 

The project needs to be assessed under the Bill but its inclusion is timely, given recent reports reinforcing drying weather patterns and new population projections as the Hawkes Bay region looks to build the necessary resilience and capability to thrive and grow.