Landowners who have a Water Race flowing through or on the border of their property can apply to the Council for closure. Closure proposals are assessed on a case-by-case basis and the below process may take approximately 6 months to a year.

Step 1: Applicant to Lead

  • The initiator of the closure request contacts Council - An email can be sent to surfacewaters@selwyn.govt.nz directly containing the location and details of the proposed closure (please include a map).  Alternatively, the Customer Services phone line (0800 735 996) can be contacted. Please ask to discuss a proposed Water Race closure with the Surface Water Environmental Engineer.
  • An initial assessment of the proposal will determine if the proposed Race(s) are appropriate for closure. Main supply races and any ecologically significant Races will not be progressed for closure.
  • Note that there is an application fee of $788.00 incl. GST to progress further from here.

Step 2: Applicant to Lead

The initiator coordinates with all affected landowners to provide the following documents to Council:

  • Agreement to Close Water Race Form(s), fully completed and signed by all affected property owners – you will need agreement from a minimum of 80% of affected property owners in order to progress your application. Agreement forms that are missing information and fields will not be accepted, please ensure all required details are filled in.
  • A map showing the extent of the requested closure and the proposed termination points – a blank map can be provided by Council.

Step 3: SDC to Lead

  • All closure proposal information compiled, documented, and provided to the Executive Director of Infrastructure and Property to consider and approve for public consultation.
  • Water race closure requests will be publicly advertised for a period of 3 weeks and key stakeholders and partners shall be notified of the proposal(s). If submissions are received, Council will organise a Public Hearing to consider the views of those who have made a submission during the notification period.
  • Council will then consider all submissions made, provide a recommendation, and take the matter to the next available Public Council Meeting where a final decision may be made.

Step 4: SDC to Lead

  • Details of the decision will be posted on the Council website and affected landowners will be informed.
  • If appropriate, salvage of aquatic life will be undertaken prior to any race closure. Physical water race closure will be undertaken in conjunction with the Council’s maintenance Contractor.
  • Benefiting landowners will be liable for their share of the cost of closing the water race, including the cost of any fish salvage that may be required.