Waimea Weekly Locally Owned and Operated
03 548 2770 41 Nile Street East, Nelson
03 548 2770 03 548East, 2770 41 Nelson 41 Nile Nile Street Street East, Nelson 41 Nile Street East, Nelson
Wednesday 15 January 2025
Page 7
Bringing the past to life
Page 4
Tasman’s fashionistas
Dam cost finalised MAX FRETHEY
Local Democracy Reporter
3NZ for Shane Harwood
Shane Harwood was the best of the local drivers claiming third in New Zealand at the Super Stock champs. Photo: Rebecca Connor Maling. Story on page 22.
The final cost of the Waimea Community Dam has now been confirmed at $211 million. Dam operator Waimea Water Limited (WWL) made the announcement on Monday after its disputes with the joint venture construction contractor were “amicably settled” and dispute proceedings had ceased. The dispute had been initiated by the joint venture contractor who had initially challenged decisions of the independent engineer and adjudicator. The dam’s final cost is marginally down on the $211.3 million cost Tasman District Council was advised of in November 2024, but more than double the $104.4m forecast when it was approved in November 2018. The dam is funded by both the council and irrigators through a combination of equity and debt. Much of the cost overrun was the result of unforeseen geotechnical challenges on the site. WWL chief executive Mike Scott acknowledged that construction of the dam had been a difficult project during a challenging time but was important for Tasman. “This has been a significant project for the region, and I thank the community and shareholders for their ongoing support,” he says. “With construction now behind us, we can
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