Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago
Pukaki Dam spillway - January 2026
The New Zealand government recognised the electricity generation potential of the Waitaki Valley as early as 1904. However, work on the large-scale project only began in the 1920s. The Waitaki dam was the first station to be built on the Waitaki River, as a ‘make work’ project during the Depression of the 1920s and 30s.
In 1958, the Mid-Waitaki hydro scheme began with the construction of Benmore dam and the DC link. This was the start of a unified power transmission system for the whole of New Zealand. The scheme was completed in 1968 with the commissioning of Aviemore power station.
The Upper Waitaki hydro scheme began in 1968 in response to New Zealand’s increased need for power. Work continued until 1985 when the last station, Ōhau C, was commissioned.
During that time four hydro stations were constructed, along with two dams and six canals (totalling 56 kilometres).
Info Source : Meridian Energy website
Drone footage : Supplied
Pukaki Dam spillway - January 2026
The New Zealand government recognised the electricity generation potential of the Waitaki Valley as early as 1904. However, work on the large-scale project only began in the 1920s. The Waitaki dam was the first station to be built on the Waitaki River, as a ‘make work’ project during the Depression of the 1920s and 30s.
In 1958, the Mid-Waitaki hydro scheme began with the construction of Benmore dam and the DC link. This was the start of a unified power transmission system for the whole of New Zealand. The scheme was completed in 1968 with the commissioning of Aviemore power station.
The Upper Waitaki hydro scheme began in 1968 in response to New Zealand’s increased need for power. Work continued until 1985 when the last station, Ōhau C, was commissioned.
During that time four hydro stations were constructed, along with two dams and six canals (totalling 56 kilometres).
Info Source : Meridian Energy website
Drone footage : Supplied
