FMC raises concerns about proposed Tukituki Water Storage land exchange in new submission
26 May 2026
Federated Mountain Clubs of New Zealand raises concerns about proposed Tukituki Water Storage land exchange in new submission
FMC has submitted on a proposed land exchange that would see 29.7 hectares of conservation land in the eastern Ruahine Forest Park swapped for 170 hectares of private land, to enable the construction of a dam and reservoir on the Makaroro River.
FMC’s primary concern is public access. The dam would impede public access in the wider area, including through several DOC huts and tracks. While mitigations have been proposed, FMC is not confident they would be delivered.
FMC is calling for legal easements guaranteeing practical access to be agreed with landowners before any consent is granted. Without that certainty, FMC opposes the proposal.
Read the full submission here.
Image: Thiago Amaral
Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!
Latest News
-
FMC has submitted on a proposed land exchange that would see 29.7 hectares of conservation land in the eastern Ruahine Forest Park swapped for 170 hectares of private land, to enable the construction of a dam and reservoir on the Makaroro River.
The Federated Mountain Clubs of New Zealand (FMC) is deeply disappointed by the Fast-Track Panel’s final decision to approve Westpower’s Hydro Scheme in the pristine, largely untouched Waitaha River.
FMC has co-signed an open letter with Forest & Bird, Greenpeace, NZ Canyoning Association, Buller Tramping Club, and former Whitewater NZ President Kev England, urging the Fast Track Panel to protect the Waitaha River in the Morgan Gorge - one of New Zealand's last pristine wild river gorges.
