The resrvoir would be on private-land near Whanawhana, on a small tributary off the Ngaruroro River. File photo. Photo: RNZ / Kate Newton
Hawke's Bay Regional Council (HBRC) is exploring the feasibility of a new water storage facility near Whanawhana in Hawke's Bay.
The proposed 27 million cubic metre water reservoir would be located on private-land near Whanawhana, on a small tributary off the Ngaruroro River.
The site is the preferred location of the regional council and is described by HBRC chairperson Hinewai Ormsby as "the right sized project, in the right place, at the right time."
The Ngaruroro catchment contributes to the recharge of the Heretaunga Plains aquifer that supports the region's horticulture and viticulture industries, along with water for Hawke's Bay's two main cities, Napier and Hastings.
Its proposed peak winter flows would be stored at the reservoir for release back into the the lowland river and stream network during dry summer months, to recharge the aquifer and offset water extraction.
A key part of the Heretaunga Water Storage Facility proposal is that its development would be funded by those who benefit most from the water storage in a user-pays model. At this stage it is estimated the build could cost $225 million.
The proposed Whanawhana water storage site differs from that of the controversial Ruataniwha Dam proposal - rebranded as the Tukituki Water Security Project - which would see a dam built on the Makaroro River, a tributary of the Tukituki River.
Hinewai Ormsby. Photo: Supplied
Ormsby said the future of the region's economy depended upon water security which was becoming increasingly challenging due to climate changes.
"As part of our ongoing Water Security Programme, HBRC is focused on how we can better protect our waterways while supporting the future of our economy," she said.
"There is now a vital role for carefully designed water storage at the right scale and in the right location and, despite the work being impacted by both Covid-19 and the Cyclone Gabrielle recovery, we are now ready for a full feasibility phase for the Whanawhana site."
"This project provides a real opportunity to address that supply and demand gap that we know is coming," Ormsby said.
She said the project was "very compelling", providing an opportunity to not only grow the water supply but also maintain status-quo.
Water storage was needed as part of a "multi-faceted approach" which included maximising efficiency and water conservation.
"Well-developed, responsible water storage projects will need to be part of our future, alongside continued discipline in demand efficiency and other potential supply initiatives."
Other regulatory activities like the TANK (Tutaekuri-Ahuriri-Ngaruroro-Karamu) Plan Change 9 will look at issues like over-allocation of water.
As part of the feasibility phase, a new governance entity will be formed bringing together iwi and mana whenua partners, irrigators, representatives of commercial and municipal water users and community stakeholders.
The feasibility phase of the project has the support of the Hastings and Napier mayors, along with the chairperson of Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorprated Bayden Barber.
Barber said it was important mana whenua and Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi is engaged from the outset of any water storage project in the region.
"We will work with partners in the project to ensure it delivers for our taiao, the health of our awa, and the taonga that live within them, and for a thriving, prosperous Māori economy that delivers for our people into the future," he said.
The project also had support from major irrigators on the Heretaunga plains. Group spokesperson Greig Taylor - orchardist and director of export business Freshco - said water storage for the region was now essential for continued production, to lift productivity, and as an insurance policy for the region's economy.
"The Heretaunga Plains are some of the greatest growing soils in the world and the economic engine of Hawke's Bay," he said.
"Water storage is a very important part of a range of solutions we must continue to implement, but the growers of Heretaunga strongly support the development of a local water storage facility to help ensure reliable supply."
The costs of the feasibility phase will be shared with regional council, which has budgeted for it in its long-term plan, and central government through a 2020 Provincial Growth Fund loan.
The feasibility phase will start immediately with hopes to have established the new entity within six months.
Consultation will occur only when a decision to seek resource consents is made, which would be at successful conclusion of the feasibility phase.
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