Council to consult on extension of Ōpaki Water Race closure

Masterton District Council has unanimously resolved to consult on an extended closure date for the Ōpaki Water Race by 12 months, to 30 June 2027 only.

The Council today (29 April) held an extraordinary meeting to discuss feedback received from users of the water race.

“We’ve heard our community loud and clear, and, in line with the majority of the feedback received, we have opted to consult on extending the closure by 12 months,” Mayor Bex Johnson said.

“This 12‑month extension sits within the next current financial rating period and would allow additional time for the Ōpaki Water Race users’ group to formally and legally establish their entity. This would enable them to apply for a resource consent to take over operation of the water race after 30 June 2027 and apply for any additional resource consents required for future in-river works,” she said.

The extension proposal follows feedback from Ōpaki Water Race ratepayers and users, who expressed a preference for Council to continue operating the water race. This feedback was sought after legislative changes that automatically extended the current resource consent through to the end of 2027, and interest from users to utilise this extension.

Council first resolved in 2020 to close the water race at the end of the then-current resource consent period of 30 June 2026, and has been working with ratepayers and the users’ group since that time to explore future options for alternative water sources.

“The extension would continue to support the operation of the water race for one year as we have done in the past. Responsibility for its future operation will ultimately sit with the user group moving forward, and we wish them every success in their operation,” Mayor Johnson concluded.

Targeted, formal consultation with Ōpaki Water Race ratepayers and users, and iwi will be undertaken in the coming weeks, providing an opportunity for feedback on the impacts and implications of this extension.