Lake Pukaki Hydro Storage and Dam Resilience Works

Project summary

The project seeks resource consents for water takes from Lake Pukaki contingent storage. The takes would occur over three consecutive winters from winter 2026 at levels lower than the minimum permitted level of 518mRL, which is a prohibited activity under the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA). Despite this prohibited activity status, the application does not trigger any ineligibility criteria under section 5 of the Act. The applicant already holds resource consents to operate the lake above the permitted level.

The project also seeks resource consents to install permanent rock armouring on Pukaki Dam at the southern end of the lake. Rock armouring works can only be undertaken when lake levels are lower than permitted, and will take 10-12 weeks to complete from commencement.

The project also seeks a wildlife permit under the Wildlife Act 1953 in case native lizard species require capture and relocation.

Project location

The southern end of Lake Pukaki, approximately 10 kilometres north of Twizel in the Mackenzie Basin.

Project referral

The Minister for Infrastructure referred the project to the Fast-track on 14 August 2025. The application was lodged on 9 May 2025.

Notice of decision Lake Pūkaki Hydro Storage and Dam Resilience Works (002) (PDF, 158KB)

Completeness decision

The substantive application by Meridian Energy Limited was deemed complete on 26 November 2025. The application complies with the requirements of section 46 (2) of the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024. The application was lodged on 5 November 2025.

Decision on completeness and scope – Lake Pūkaki Hydro Storage and Dam Resilience Works substantive application (PDF, 92KB)

Memorandum on Completeness and Scope (PDF, 910KB)

Competing applications decision

The substantive application by Meridian Energy Limited was deemed to not have any competing applications or existing resource consents on 9 December 2025. This decision is required under section 47 of the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024.

Record of decision on competing applications - Lake Pūkaki Hydro Storage and Dam Resilience Works substantive application (PDF, 87KB)

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 12 February 2026, the panel convener issued a minute regarding:

• the appointment of the expert panel

• the timeframe for panel decisions for the Lake Pūkaki Hydro Storage and Dam Resilience Works project under clause 2 of section 79 of the Act.

The minute can be viewed on the Correspondence page for the Lake Pūkaki Hydro Storage and Dam Resilience Works project.