Hamilton City Council is inviting the community to provide feedback on two formal processes that will enable the construction of two new reservoirs at Hamilton Lake Domain.

Following earlier engagements on the design and layout of the reservoirs, two final, formal consultations are now required to progress this critical water infrastructure.

From today (23 September), consultations are open for a Notice of Requirement (NoR) and a Reserves Act Reclassification, which both relate to the proposed extension of the designated land at the Ruakiwi Reservoir site. These changes would allow for the construction, operation, and maintenance of two 25 million litre reservoirs, along with the supporting infrastructure including a valve chamber, and pipelines.

Proposed designation and reclassification boundary

The reservoirs are a critical part of Hamilton’s future water network by ensuring a reliable water supply for central city residents, businesses, and Waikato Hospital. They also provide essential water for firefighting, and help strengthen the city’s water resilience.

The community can make a submission on one or both processes:

• Notice of Requirement (NoR) 
  Council lodged a NoR on 22 August 2025 to extend the designated land on Ruakiwi Road for water infrastructure purposes. This is a planning process under the Resource Management Act 1991.
• Reserves Act Reclassification 
  Under the Reserves Act 1977, Council is proposing to reclassify the proposed designated land from Recreation Reserve to Local Purpose (Water Infrastructure) Reserve to reflect its intended future use.

The consultations run from 23 September – 22 October 2025. Submissions can be made at hamilton.govt.nz/haveyoursay, or by collecting a hard copy form from Council reception or any Hamilton City Library.

For more information, visit hamilton.govt.nz/strategies-plans-and-projects/projects/central-city/central-city-reservoir

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