Greens’ opposition to Tukituki Water Security Project draws criticism

The Green Party has strengthened its opposition to the Tukituki Water Security Project, saying it will not support conservation land swaps for economic purposes.

But project chair Mike Petersen says Hawke’s Bay faces a looming water shortfall and is confident the project can enhance conservation values.

The project proposes a dam on the Makaroro River in Central Hawke’s Bay and an exchange of about 29.7 hectares of public conservation land for about 170 hectares of private land.

Green Party Napier candidate Roy Boonen said the party had long opposed the dam.

“The Green Party supports small scale, on farm water storage solutions along with sustainable farming practices, and we’re increasingly seeing the success of these in Hawke’s Bay.”

Green Party Ikaroa-Rāwhiti candidate Heather Te Au Skipworth raised concerns about the loss of ecologically significant habitat. She argued the cost of stored water would drive more intensive farming, harming waterways and aquifers.

The party has also committed to reviewing fast-track projects, including the Tukituki proposal, that do not meet its threshold for full community engagement and environmental sustainability.

Petersen told Hawke’s Bay News the region needed to address a looming water deficit alongside efforts to improve water use.

“So I agree with the Greens that there are a lot of things we need to do to be better with water. We can either recycle or reuse or be more water efficient,” Petersen told Hawke’s Bay News.

He said the project would prioritise rivers and water health, followed by people and communities, then high-value food production and processing.

Petersen rejected suggestions the fast-track process allowed developers to sidestep environmental responsibility. He also disputed that irrigation necessarily led to intensification and environmental degradation, pointing to rules and constraints already in place under Plan Change 6.

In 2017, the Supreme Court ruled that a decision to remove conservation-park protection from 22 hectares needed for the earlier Ruataniwha scheme was unlawful, blocking the proposed exchange.

Petersen said the current project had no ratepayer funding or ownership, with funding coming from local donors, about 60 local investors and central government.

In April, the Government announced a Regional Infrastructure Fund loan of up to $18.13 million for pre-construction work, including detailed design, engineering and assessment of commercial viability.

Hawke’s Bay News sought comment from political parties and local candidates on the project, the proposed conservation land exchange and the Greens’ position.

National’s Tukituki MP Catherine Wedd pointed to the party’s pledge of $300 million in concessional loans for water storage projects if re-elected, with Hawke’s Bay among its priority areas.

She said the Tukituki project would increase summer river flows and help restore degraded waterways.

Wairarapa MP Mike Butterick linked reliable water to the future of towns such as Waipukurau and Waipawa.

“Reliable water means more jobs, and that is what keeps our schools, rugby clubs, the local fire brigades and our main streets alive.”

Napier MP Katie Nimon said the benefits would extend beyond Central Hawke’s Bay because its produce was processed and shipped through Napier.

“What we won't do is let the Greens kill it with a blanket ban before the evidence is in. Hawke's Bay deserves better.”

ACT’s Tukituki candidate Rob Douglas said conservation land exchanges should be considered on their merits.

“I support the Tukituki Water Security Project and the proposed conservation land exchange, subject to the environmental and cultural issues being properly addressed.”

He said an independent expert panel should assess whether conservation values were enhanced overall. The developer should manage and fund environmental impacts, including ongoing restoration and pest control, he said.

Labour environment spokesperson Rachel Brooking said her party opposed the current fast-track process and would restore environmental protections and community input if elected.

She criticised the revival of the land-swap proposal and said the project now sought more conservation land than the earlier scheme.

“If this project is approved and Labour is elected, we will not cancel the consent, but would have the project’s conditions reviewed based on the environmental effects.”

New Zealand First said it supported investment in water storage while recognising longstanding concerns raised by environmental and water advocacy groups.

The party said it had backed government funding for feasibility work on both the Tukituki and Heretaunga water storage projects.

“That's the commitment. No decisions will be made until the feasibility projects have been completed.”

The Opportunity Party’s Tukituki candidate Rachel Ward said her party broadly agreed with the Greens and opposed the project, but remained open to reviewing new evidence.

That would require environmental and community concerns to be addressed, alongside a robust business case showing the project would not impose future costs on ratepayers, she said.

“Hawke's Bay needs to investigate both water supply solutions (including water storage), as well as water use and demand.”

Ward said the party supported council-led local solutions and citizens’ assemblies where communities disagreed, alongside rainwater collection in the building code and on-farm storage with positive biodiversity outcomes.

Petersen said securing approval for the proposed conservation land exchange was a key priority.

He said the project aimed to file a fast-track application before the end of the year and hoped for approval around the middle of 2027.

“But we know this is not going to be easy.”