Decision report and conditions of consent
On 3 July 2026 the expert panel granted approvals for the Lake Pūkaki Hydro Storage and Dam Resilience Works application. The approvals are subject to conditions.
Lake Pūkaki Hydro Storage and Dam Resilience Works – decision report (PDF, 27.2MB)
Appeal rights
The panel’s decision can be appealed to the High Court in whole or in part on questions of law only. Any of the following persons may appeal:
the applicant (or, if the substantive application was lodged by more than 1 authorised person, the person who was proposed to hold the approval)
any relevant local authority
the Attorney-General
any person or group that provided comments in response to an invitation given under section 17(1) or 53(2) or any of section 35(1)(a) to (d) under this Act.
A notice of appeal must be filed with the Registrar of the High Court within 20 working days after the date on which the decision document that relates to the approval is published.
Appeals can be served on the panel by emailing them to: general.counsel@epa.govt.nz.
or by post to:
Lake Pūkaki Hydro expert panel
c/- Environmental Protection Authority
Attn: General Counsel
Private Bag 63002
Wellington 6140
Further details on how to proceed with an appeal are covered in section 100 of the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024.
Fast-track Approvals Act 2024 No 56, Public Act 100 Procedural matters – New Zealand Legislation