Opposition to the controversial Ruataniwha Dam has surged, with campaigners claiming a wave of public resistance has followed the Government’s decision to inject millions more into the project.

A petition is set to be presented to the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, calling for an end to further ratepayer spending on the dam, as community concern grows over both environmental and financial impacts.

Organisers behind the petition say support has rapidly increased since the Government announced an additional $18 million in funding to progress the project’s next phase.

The proposed dam, also known as the Tukituki Water Security Project, has been one of Aotearoa’s most debated infrastructure proposals, facing years of legal challenges and environmental scrutiny.

Critics argue the latest funding risks deepening public investment in a project that has yet to move beyond planning stages, despite tens of millions already committed over time.

Environmental concerns remain central to opposition, with fears the dam could impact multiple river systems and lead to intensified land use, placing additional pressure on waterways.

Campaigners also question whether public funds should be used to support what they describe as a largely private development, raising concerns about who ultimately benefits and who carries the cost.

Supporters of the project, however, maintain that water storage infrastructure is critical for the region’s future, particularly as climate pressures and demand for water increase.

The dam proposal is intended to improve water security in Central Hawke’s Bay, with backers arguing it could support agriculture, economic growth and long-term resilience.

As the petition heads to council, the issue is once again drawing national attention, highlighting the ongoing divide between development ambitions and environmental protection in regional Aotearoa.

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