The timing of filling the Waimea Dam in New Zealand has been criticized as "inappropriate" by the Waimea Irrigators and Water Users Society. Spokesperson Brian Halstead asserts that businesses still require water in the interim and criticizes the Tasman District Council for not releasing water due to ongoing dam tests. Halstead further argues that filling the dam modifies river flows, potentially accelerating water rationing or bans. Chris Choat, Tasman District Council's communications manager, responded that the dam is currently in the commissioning process and not yet operational as per resource consents. He further explains that the dam is 75% full and that Waimea Water Limited (WWL) is releasing slightly more than the minimum flow into the river, providing benefits to all water users on the Waimea Plains.

Source: Stuff January 15, 2024 13:17 UTC