There’s a lot of work to be done behind the scenes, but if all goes well there’s a chance people may be able to experience the sheer scale of the Waimea Community Dam first-hand. A potential open day could be on the cards if the logistics can be worked through.
Those who have been privileged enough to visit the site commonly comment on the incredible scale of the structure and it’s difficult for other people to imagine what the dam looks like without public access.
Of the land surrounding the reservoir, 9.9 hectares of Mt Richmond Forest Park is managed by the Department of Conservation, which includes an easement granted to the Tasman District Council. The rest of the surrounding land is owned by five different parties including three individuals, iwi authority Ngāti Koata Trust and Tasman Pine Forests Ltd.
Challenges that need to be overcome before opening the area up to the public include improving cellphone coverage, providing toilet facilities, and getting permission from landowners for access.
With the dam in action this summer, it was the first time in many years we were able to stave off implementing water restrictions on our urban supplies.
Mayor Tim King says there was a commitment for the Council to consider the future of public access as part of the land process, so we will try and follow through on that commitment. If all the logistics can be sorted, people may be able to visit the Waimea Community Dam in mid to late 2026.