Supporting the reconsenting of the Waitaki Power Scheme

The Waitaki Power Scheme is New Zealand's largest hydroelectric scheme and has been helping power homes, businesses and communities across Aotearoa New Zealand for generations. It contributes a significant share of the country's hydroelectric generation and plays an important role in maintaining a reliable supply of renewable electricity across the national network.

As existing resource consents approached expiry, Meridian needed new approvals to continue operating the scheme beyond its existing consent term. The reconsenting process required a strong evidence base that considered the complex relationship between hydroelectric generation, groundwater systems, water users and the wider catchment environment.

The reconsenting programme also needed to demonstrate how a nationally significant renewable energy asset could continue supporting New Zealand's renewable energy needs while recognising the interests of communities, industries and water users connected to the catchment.

We partnered with Meridian to support the reconsenting programme, contributing hydrogeology, evaluation of other water users’ structures and riverbank erosion studies as part of a wider multidisciplinary team.

Our specialists undertook investigations to assess potential effects associated with river flows, including impacts on downstream irrigation infrastructure, riverbanks, water users and adjacent properties, and delivered technical investigations that informed the consent application and supporting environmental evidence. Our team also provided expert witness evidence through the Environment Court process, helping Meridian navigate a complex regulatory pathway.

Environmental science, technical knowledge and local understanding of the catchment helped build a robust evidence base that informed decision-making and the future operation of the scheme.

The Environment Court approved the continued operation of the Waitaki Power Scheme for a further 35 years, allowing Meridian to maintain existing storage levels, operating conditions and generation capacity.

The approval provides long-term certainty for infrastructure that generates a significant proportion of New Zealand's renewable electricity.

For communities across New Zealand, it gives confidence that this critical infrastructure can continue supporting homes, businesses, industry and essential services for decades to come. It also demonstrates how science-led planning and technical advisory services can help balance renewable energy generation with the environmental and catchment values that communities rely on.

This project contributes to a more resilient energy future for New Zealand.