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 22 April 2025.