Waingawa Water Storage Project

Carterton District Council (CDC) is progressing plans to develop a new water storage dam to support irrigation, untreated industrial use, and augmentation of the existing water race network. The project is intended to enhance water resilience and stimulate economic activity across the Wairarapa region by capturing surplus water during wetter periods and making it available during dry months. On 1…

Carterton District Council (CDC) is progressing plans to develop a new water storage dam to support irrigation, untreated industrial use, and augmentation of the existing water race network. The project is intended to enhance water resilience and stimulate economic activity across the Wairarapa region by capturing surplus water during wetter periods and making it available during dry months. On 1 October 2025, CDC acquired a 42-hectare site at 247 Norfolk Road. Preliminary works are already underway, including geotechnical investigations, topographical surveying, and preparation of resource consent documentation. Initial concept development indicates that a high-density polyethylene (HDPE)-lined “turkey nest” style dam may offer the most cost-effective solution for the site’s topography. However, design options remain under active consideration pending further technical assessments. The indicative total project budget is approximately NZD $20 million. Final scope and configuration—whether a single large dam or a series of smaller dams across multiple sites—will depend on geotechnical outcomes, market pricing, end-user demand, and Council’s strategic direction.