Projects

The Otawere Reservoir project in Waimate North, near Kerikeri, was delivered for Te Tai Tokerau Water Trust as a major investment in regional water security and long-term economic growth. Constructed next to tributaries of the Waitangi River, the scheme comprises a main dam and saddle dam forming a 50-hectare reservoir with a storage capacity of approximately 4 million cubic metres. The project was designed to improve drought resilience, increase water security, and enable higher-value land use across the Mid North.

Delivered through a collaborative approach, MAP Projects led a consortium with Progressive Earthmoving Ltd, working closely with designer Riley Consultants. Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) played a critical role in optimising the design, reducing complexity and improving constructability while maintaining performance requirements. This partnership enabled the team to deliver a technically complex project within a two-year programme, with dam operations commencing in November 2025 following closure of the outlet gate

Construction involved approximately 1.2 million cubic metres of earthworks, extensive foundation treatment, and the installation of engineered drainage systems throughout both dams to ensure long-term stability and seepage control. The project included a 100-metre reinforced concrete outlet structure and a 110-metre concrete spillway, all constructed in highly variable and challenging geotechnical conditions. From AWMA, a hydraulic TLF gate was installed upstream and a mechanical WLF gate downstream, providing reliable and controlled water management. Through adaptive engineering controls and close collaboration with geotechnical specialists, the team successfully managed complex ground conditions, groundwater, and environmental constraints while maintaining programme momentum.

Now complete, the Otawere Reservoir is operational and actively filling, marking a significant milestone for the region. Due to the scale of the reservoir and its contributing catchment, it is expected to take several years to reach full capacity. Once fully established, the asset will deliver long-term water resilience and support future land use transformation across Northland. MAP Projects acknowledges the strong partnership with Te Tai Tokerau Water Trust and Progressive Earthmoving, and recognises the technical expertise and contribution of Riley Consultants in delivering this high-quality infrastructure outcome.