Waitaha Run Of River Hydro Scheme
- Home
- /
- About
- /
- ...
- About
- /
- Generation
- /
- Waitaha
Building a Resilient Future for the West Coast and New Zealand.
The Waitaha River is the treasured taonga of Poutini Ngāi Tahu (Te Rūnanga o Makaawhio and Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Waewae) and is located in South Westland on the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand.
Westpower and Poutini Ngāi Tahu are close partners in developing the proposal for the Waitaha Hydro Scheme. This page contains all the information you need to know about the Waitaha scheme.
What is the Waitaha Run of River Hydro Scheme?
Westpower's Environmental Responsibility
Economic and Community Benefits
Partnership with Poutini Ngāi Tahu
What Makes This Project Different?
Government Support and Fast-Track Approval
Consultation and Community Engagement
Waitaha Disclosures
Waitaha News
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Can I Learn More?
What is the Waitaha Run of River Hydro Scheme?
The Waitaha Hydro Scheme is a community owned run-of-river hydro-electric power project on the Waitaha River, West Coast, South Island.
It will generate 120- 140 GWh (Gigawatt hours) per year, enough electricity to power approximately 12,000 homes, significantly enhancing reliability of electricity supply on the Coast.
The Scheme involves a low-profile weir and intake at the top of Morgan Gorge, a pressurised water tunnel, and a 23 MW power station below the gorge.
Overview of the Waitaha Run of River Hydro Scheme Location
Explore the key elements of the proposed Waitaha Run of River Hydro Scheme and how these components seamlessly fit together to create a sustainable and efficient energy solution.
Why the Waitaha Hydro Scheme is Important to New Zealand
Hear from our CEO for an overview of how the Waitaha Hydro Scheme will operate and support New Zealand's growing electricity demands sustainably.
The importance of ecology and minimising environmental impact
Rodger Griffiths discusses the critical role of ecology and the measures being taken to ensure the natural values of the Waitaha Valley are protected.
Westpower's Environmental Responsibility
Environmental stewardship is central to the Waitaha Hydro Scheme.
The project is situated within Department of Conservation (DOC) stewardship land and requires concessions (approvals) for its development. In line with our commitment to environmental sustainability, Westpower has commissioned ecological studies including aquatic ecology, native species conservation, and vegetation assessments, to help minimise environmental impacts through careful design and planning.
“Run-of-river” means that some of the water goes into the Scheme to create electricity before returning to the river. There is no in-stream or off-stream water storage. The amount of water used by the Scheme is limited to preserve the ecosystems in the river.
Partnership with Poutini Ngāi Tahu
The Waitaha Hydro Scheme is a collaborative effort between Westpower and Poutini Ngāi Tahu, mana whenua of the West Coast.
Poutini Ngāi Tahu is the collective entity comprising Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Waewae and Te Rūnanga o Makaawhio, both hapū of Ngāi Tahu.
Together, we will work to ensure that the Waitaha River remains a taonga (treasure) for future generations. Our partnership ensures the project reflects both environmental sustainability and cultural values, with both Westpower and Poutini Ngāi Tahu committed to long-term solutions for the community.
Economic and Community Benefits
The Waitaha Hydro Scheme will provide several benefits for the West Coast and Aotearoa New Zealand:
Energy Security and Self-Sufficiency:
The Scheme will enhance reliability of electricity supply and resilience on the West Coast while reducing reliance on imported electricity as demand grows.
Once operational, the Scheme will:
- Generate 120-140 GWh of renewable electricity per year (enough to power ~12,000 NZ homes, or about half of the Coast's electricity needs)
- Support regional and national electricity demand growth and increase the resilience of the Westpower network, especially during National Grid interruptions.
- Reduce emissions, supporting NZ's climate change targets and decarbonisation goals.
- Lower transmission losses and improve resource use efficiency.
Job Creation and Economic Growth:
The project will boost the local economy by creating construction jobs, improving energy security and supporting the increased demand for electricity.
The $200 million project will inject $110-138 million across the West Coast during the 3.5-year construction phase creating an average of 71 full-time and $8.7 million in annual wages. Ongoing operation will provide further employment through local contractors and maintenance.
Sustainable Energy Source:
Waitaha Hydro will displace thermal generation (coal and gas) because the electricity will be generated using renewable means and doesn't attract carbon costs via the Emissions Trading Scheme. It will offset 129,000 tonnes of CO₂e every year — equivalent to removing about 69,000 cars from the road!
What Makes This Project Different
Unlike traditional hydroelectric projects that require large dams, the Waitaha Hydro Scheme design uses a low-impact weir (not a dam) to divert water through a tunnel to a powerhouse, then returns the water to the river. This minimises the environmental impact.
Government Support and Fast-Track Approval
The Waitaha Hydro Scheme has been included in the Schedule 2 of the Fast-track Approvals Act, passed into law in December 2024.
Find our current application hereThe approvals required for the Waitaha Hydro Project have not changed. However, the Fast-track Approvals Act allows these approvals to be applied for and decided concurrently.
The Scheme is listed in Schedule 2, which includes projects considered lower in complexity and less contentious. This listing allows Westpower to access the process directly, without requiring Ministerial referral.
Consultation and Community Engagement
Westpower acknowledges the cultural, environmental, and recreational values of the Waitaha River.
The project area has undergone years of scientific assessment, consultation and engagement to ensure these are respected and adverse effects are minimised through advances in the design of the Scheme. We've listened closely to feedback from conservation groups, and the wider community.
Waitaha News
News and announcements regarding the Waitaha Hydro Scheme.
02 September 2025
Westpower Advances Waitaha Hydro Scheme via Fast Track Pathway
Westpower Ltd has submitted their application for the Waitaha Hydro Project under the Fast-track Approvals Act*, reinforcing its commitment to a sustainable energy future for New Zealand and the West Coast.
07 October 2024
Waitaha Hydro Project becomes possible through Fast Track Approvals process
"The largest investment in renewable energy on the West Coast in a generation has taken a major step forward today” says Westpower chief executive, Peter Armstrong.
Frequently Asked Questions
We encourage you to stay informed and continue to engage with us throughout the project. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to contact us.