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
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FMC wrote to the major political parties in July, asking what they think about keeping access free for New Zealanders, maintaining huts and tracks, strengthening the Conservation Act’s protections and recognising the value of outdoor recreation.
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FMC has lodged a second submission on the Tukituki Water Storage land exchange following DOC's draft report on the proposal.
Love Our Huts is returning for its third consecutive season and Federated Mountain Clubs of New Zealand (FMC) is calling on Kiwis to give some love to the backcountry.
