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Environment Southland has transferred its Building Act responsibilities to the Otago Regional Council but all initial
enquiries about dams can be made to Environment Southland. Environment Southland still deals with resource consents under
the Resource Management Act.
Building a Dam
This page provides initial information to all those who own a dam or canal, or are planning to construct, modify or remove
a dam, canal or a structure associated with a dam. All dams must comply with the NZ Building Code, and all large dams (over
3 metres in height and retaining more than 20,000 cubic metres of water or other fluid) require a building
consent. All dams irrespective of their size are also likely to require a resource consent under the Resource Management Act.
A dam's safety is dependent on its design, construction and how it's managed, operated and maintained so there are a number
of requirements to take into account.
Applications Forms, Brochures and Checklists
Downloadable documents are on the Otago Regional Council
web site and are subject to change from time to time, so if you print a hard copy please check that it’s up to date.
Environment Southland also holds some brochures on the consent processes and the Dam Safety Scheme.
Dams Register
Environment Southland and other Regional Councils are required under the Building Act to maintain a register of all dams no
matter their size for their respective regions.
The register enables Councils to contact dam owners on matters of importance to them, such as new regulations and guidance
material on dam safety. If you own a dam, then you should check with your council whether your dam should be on the register.
For Environment Southland dam owners, there is no cost for having details on the register. To do so freephone 0800 76 88 45,
or email us at service@es.govt.nz.
Find Out More
The New Zealand
Society of Large Dams works with advancing technology of dam engineering and supports sustainable development of dams and
subjects related to them.
The Department of Building
and Housing can guide you regarding building law and compliance.
BRANZ Limited helps you with independent research and
information about building and construction.
New Zealand Historic Places Trust
recognises, promotes and protects New Zealand’s historic and cultural heritage.
Contact us
If you need more help please contact us at service@es.govt.nz.
Consents
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