PROJECTS
Otago River Control Scheme, New Zealand
The problem
The Otago Regional Council in New Zealand believed residents in its area were paying more than their fair share for the Lower Waitaki River Control Scheme. This scheme protects communities on both the Otago and Canterbury sides of the Waitaki River from flooding and erosion.
How we helped
We developed an economic model and quantified the material benefits of the flood control scheme. We assessed the economic benefits and identified the cost of an alternative scheme. We determined that Otago residents paid 27 percent of the total costs and gained 24 percent of the benefits of the scheme. Canterbury residents paid 33 percent of the costs and gained 76 percent of the benefits. The remaining 40 percent was paid by Meridian Energy, that operates the Waitaki dam further upriver. Our analysis showed that Otago residents were contributing a disproportionate amount to the scheme’s costs.
Impact
The Otago Regional Council used our analysis to renegotiate the scheme’s cost allocation with Canterbury’s regional government. As a result, Otago residents will pay a fairer share of the scheme’s costs.
The client
Our team
Find out more
How can we help you?
How can we help you?
WASHINGTON, DC
+1 (202) 466-6790
1747 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 1200
United States of America
SYDNEY
+61 (2) 9231 6862
Suite 19.01, Level 19, 227 Elizabeth Street
Australia
AUCKLAND
+64 (4) 913 2800
Sinclair House, 3 Glenside Crescent
New Zealand
WELLINGTON
+64 (4) 913 2800
Level 2, 88 The Terrace
New Zealand
PARIS
+33 (0)1 85 64 10 22
3B Rue Taylor
France
BOGOTÁ
+57 (1) 508 5794
Calle 81 #11-08, Piso 5, Oficina 5-121
Colombia
Thinking for a better world.

WASHINGTON, DC
+1 (202) 466-6790
1747 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 1200
United States of America
SYDNEY
+61 (2) 9231 6862
Suite 19.01, Level 19, 227 Elizabeth Street
Australia
AUCKLAND
+64 (4) 913 2800
74D France Street, Newton South
New Zealand
WELLINGTON
+64 (4) 913 2800
Level 2, 88 The Terrace
New Zealand
PARIS
+33 (1) 73 44 26 97
6 Rue Duret
France
BOGOTÁ
+57 (1) 508 5794
Calle 81 #11-08, Piso 5, Oficina 5-127
Colombia
Thinking for a better world.
