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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We’re excited to share the new FMC Executive Committee, taking office on June 1 2026.
For over ten years, FMC has been involved in efforts to protect the Waitaha River. FMC made its first submission opposing the scheme in 2016, celebrated it being declined in 2019, and has spent the past 12 months fighting for a voice through the Fast-Track process. Throughout it all, FMC has been advocating for the Waitaha, publicly and behind the scenes.
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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.
