The Building Act 2004 introduced a regime for managing the safety of existing and new dams in New Zealand. Regional councils must have a policy on how they will deal with dangerous, earthquake-prone or flood-prone dams — including heritage dams — in their region. The Otago Regional Council is proposing changes to its existing Dangerous Dams, Earthquake-Prone Dams and Flood-Prone Dams Policy and seeking your views on the amended policy. Once all submissions have been considered, Council will make a decision on whether to adopt the amended policy.

How to get a copy of the proposed amended Policy on Dangerous Dams, Earthquake-Prone Dams and Flood-Prone Dams

A copy of the summary document and proposed amended policy can be found on our website and an online submission form will be made available on our website from 13 November 2023. You may email damsafety@orc.govt.nz to request a copy. Copies are also available from council offices in Dunedin, Queenstown and Alexandra, or by phoning ORC on (03) 474 0827 or 0800 474 082.

Your views are important

Make a submission via the online form on Council's website, post your submission to Otago Regional Council, Private Bag 1954, Dunedin 9054, or drop it off at an ORC office.

Submissions open on 13 November and close at 5pm on 15 December 2023.