Kaimai Hydroelectric Power Scheme Re-Consenting

Project summary

Reconsent Manawa Energy Limited's existing Kaimai Hydroelectric Power Scheme, including increasing residual river flows, providing fish passage, and implementing a sediment management plan.

Project location

Within the Kaimai Ranges and the Wairoa River Catchment, 12 kilometres southwest of Tauranga and 25 kilometres northwest of Rotorua.

Project listing application

Kaimai Hydro-Electric Power Scheme Re-Consenting application – Ministry for the Environment website

Completeness decision

The substantive application by Manawa Energy Limited was deemed complete on 16 October 2025. The application complies with the requirements of section 46 (2) of the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024. The application was lodged on 29 September 2025.

Decision on completeness and scope – Kaimai Hydro-Electric Power Scheme Re-Consenting substantive application (PDF, 84KB)

Competing applications decision

The substantive application by Manawa Energy Limited was deemed to not have any competing applications or existing resource consents on 28 October 2025. This decision is required under section 47 of the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024. 

Record of decision on competing applications − Kaimai Hydro-Electric Power Scheme Re-Consenting substantive application (PDF, 80KB)

The application has now been referred to the panel convener for determination by a panel.

Decision of appointment of panel and timing of panel decisions

On 28 November 2025, the panel convener issued Minute 2 regarding the appointment of the expert panel and the timeframe for panel decisions for the Kaimai Hydroelectric Power Scheme Re-Consenting project under clause 2 of section 79 of the Act.

The Minute can be viewed on the Correspondence page for the Kaimai Hydroelectric Power Scheme Re-Consenting project.

Correspondence page