Lake Hāwea residents oppose Contact Energy plan to lower water levels

Friday 19 September 2025 · 6 outlets · 4 reports · updated Fri 19 Sep 2025, 10:25am

In this story Contact Energy

Contact Energy is seeking fast-track approval to reduce Lake Hāwea's minimum operating level from 338 metres to 336 metres, with potential drops to 330 metres during extreme circumstances. Local residents expressed outrage at a public meeting regarding the proposal, which the company describes as an insurance policy to boost renewable energy generation.

How they headlined it

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1. Otago Daily TimesFri 19 Sep 2025, 7:58am

   Hāwea locals outraged over push to lower lake (opens in new tab)

2. The Press via RNZFri 19 Sep 2025, 8:23am

   Lake Hawea residents fight Contact Energy plan to drop water levels (opens in new tab)

   Also on The Post (opens in new tab)

3. 1News via RNZFri 19 Sep 2025, 9:51am

   Residents outraged as gentailer looks to dip further into Lake Hāwea (opens in new tab)

4. NZ HeraldFri 19 Sep 2025, 10:25am

   Move by ‘rapacious gentailer’ to dip further into Lake Hāwea outrages residents (opens in new tab)

   Also on RNZ (opens in new tab)