Future regional prosperity through water a step closer
Funding secured, feasibility assessments underway
Tukituki Water Security Ltd (TWSL) has secured co-funding that allows the first drawdown of a Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) grant of up to $3 million to assess the feasibility of the Tukituki Water Security Project (TWSP).
The TWSP is planned for the headwaters of the Makaroro River. An 83m high dam will store 90Mm3 of water that will distribute up to 14 m3/s during dry periods.
The project will support the needs of a growing region and help drive economic growth for Hawke’s Bay. It will ensure a steady flow of water to increase food production and processing capability of up to 22,000 ha of Central Hawke’s Bay land.
It will improve river flows with almost 20% of the stored water available to increase flows in the Tukituki River, leading to a healthier river and environment.
A 2021 rescoping study by independent water storage and irrigation advisory firm Lewis Tucker found a water storage dam at the Makaroro site was the most viable and cost-effective option to provide water security for Tamatea Central Hawke’s Bay.
Three independent Regional Economic Impact studies between 2012 and 2017 estimated water storage at the Makaroro site would provide a regional economic benefit of between $230M and $300M and create 2,000 to 3,000 jobs.
TWSL Chair Mike Petersen says the Makaroro dam and distribution system would likely be the largest capital project ever undertaken in Hawkes Bay.
“This is a whole of catchment focussed project, and this water storage project will be the largest dam built in New Zealand since Clyde was completed by the Government in 1993. It will be a game changer for our region by improving water security, supporting livelihoods, creating jobs and being a catalyst for prosperity for the Hawke’s Bay region.”
The RIF grant of $3M will be supported by approximately 60 local Hawkes Bay Businesses and water users, contributing most of the balance of the $6.8M budget. Feasibility work includes gaining consent through the Fast Track Process and re-developing dam and distribution concepts to take advantage of new knowledge and concepts now available since this project was contemplated nearly 10 years ago.
“It is extremely gratifying to have the support and financial backing from community minded businesses, leaders and water users. Their support has been instrumental in getting us to a point where we can progress this important regional strategic initiative”.
“We all recognise this project has to be financially viable and that seismic and climatic knowledge have changed since the work in 2012. We can now independently cost a contemporary robust and optimised design to engage with water users and financiers.”
Mr Petersen acknowledged Tamatea Pōkai Whenua Chair, Pōhatu Paku, and noted the substantive engagement and work that has taken place between Mana Whenua and TTWS in recognition of the commitment to the value of ‘partnership’.
While Tamatea Pōkai Whenua continue to frame their full response to the proposal, much of the next phase of undertakings together will inform this decision. Mr Petersen acknowledged the government for its support, “We thank the local MBIE team for their support and belief in us to get to this point.”