High-level plans for two new water reservoirs to support growth in the central city, will be presented for approval at Hamilton City Council’s Infrastructure and Transport Committee meeting next week (Tuesday 13 May).

Approval will allow the project team to proceed with the development of the design along with the resource consent requirements for two 25 million litre reservoirs to be located next to the existing Ruakiwi Reservoir above Hamilton Lake. The reservoirs will support growth in the central city by increasing the supply of water for drinking and firefighting.

Deputy Mayor Angela O’Leary celebrates the upgrade of critical infrastructure to ensure Hamilton is well-equipped to meet future water demands.

“The new reservoirs are a major step forward for essential core infrastructure that’s required to support ongoing growth and development in the central city and wider area.”

Unit Director Design and Deliver Kelly Stokes said pre-engagement with the community helped to inform the concept design and the layout of the reservoirs site.

“Elected Members will be presented with the high-level renders, which are not final designs, as well as early community feedback about the design, how the proposed site is used, and whether the new reservoirs would impact how they use the space.”

“Common suggestions from the community included adding a viewing platform and landscaping features, specifically a pathway/thoroughfare.”

The latest concept design features a path around the reservoirs to access key viewing points overlooking Hamilton Lake and maunga in the west (Pirongia, Karioi, Kakepuku, and Te Kawa), as well as a network of pathways which improve access by linking Ruakiwi Road with Lake Domain.

The community said accessing the Lake Domain walkway was the most common reason for using the space, closely followed by recreation of exercise or play. Most submitters said the new reservoirs would not change how they use the space, and the comments indicated general support for the project.

Staff are working in partnership with mana whenua, ensuring that cultural values and principles shape the project to deliver meaningful and lasting outcomes.

Stokes said Council is continuing to engage with residents near the reservoirs throughout the consenting process, and the community will have another opportunity to have their say on the proposed reservoirs during public consultation later in the year.

The construction of the first reservoir is planned to be completed by the end of 2028, funded by the $150.6 million grant from the Government's Infrastructure Acceleration Fund. The grant will support various projects, helping to enable around 4000 new homes by 2035 for up to 10,800 people in the central city.

While the second reservoir is expected to be needed from 2040, only the first is being built initially. Funding for the second reservoir will be considered in future long-term planning.

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