Dam Safety Regulations video transcript (long)

Last updated: 13 May 2024

Transcript for video introducing the new dam safety regulations and explaining where to go for further information.

(All scenes involve motion pictures)

Visuals

Aerial view of a dam surrounded by farmland.

Text on screen: "Building Performance"

Audio

Farmer: "I know what you're thinking… another damn safety video."

Visuals

Text on screen: "Another Damn Safety Video".

Farmer walks into shot.

Audio

Farmer: ...it’s a dam safety video.”

Visuals

Text on screen: "Another Damn Safety Video" changes to, "A dam safety video".

Farmer walks over a bridge on the farm and makes his way towards a dam.

Audio

Farmer: "Dams and ponds are an important part of farm life. My dad built this one over 40 years ago, and it’s essential to our livelihood."

Visuals

Aerial view of the dam surrounded by farmland.

View of the dam at water level.

Farmer looks out across the dam.

Audio

Farmer: "But if a dam fails, it can put your livelihood, your property, your livestock, and your people at risk."

Visuals

Farmer talking to camera, dam in background

Audio

Farmer: "In May 2024, new rules came in. So, I need to make sure ours is damn safe. And if you've got a dam or a pond on your property, well you’ll need to do the same."

Visuals

Aerial view of the dam surrounded by farmland.

Audio

Farmer: "Because if it isn’t safe, you could be fined."

Visuals

Shot of a different dam, set on a farm and focussed on a concrete spillway and the dam's reservoir.

Audio

Farmer: "These new rules apply to dams of a certain size, so most farming and irrigation dams won't be affected".

Visuals

Aerial shot of a vineyard with a dam and farmland in the background.

Two people wearing orange vests walk along the side of the dam.

Audio

Farmer: "You’ll have to understand if yours is affected."

Visuals

Shot of a dam surrounded by farmland.

Audio

Farmer: "If you've got a dam on your property, check the resource consent for its measurements."

Visuals

Farmer talking to camera, his dam in background.

Audio

Farmer: "If you haven't got the measurements, or it's seriously old like this one, you'll need to calculate the height and volume. MBIE has instructions on its website on how to do this or you can use a farm consultant or an engineer."

Visuals

Aerial view of the farmer’s dam surrounded by farmland

Text on screen: Words 'Height and 'Volume' display on the screen with ticks next to them.

Audio

Farmer: "Once you have these dimensions, you'll know if you're impacted by these new rules, and then you'll have to work out what the potential impact would be if your dam failed."

Visuals

Farmer stands near the water's edge and looks out over the dam.

Audio

Farmer: "And you might also have to make a dam safety plan."

Visuals

An engineer wearing an orange vest walks up to the farmer.

Audio

Farmer: "A farm consultant or an engineer can help you with these, and then they'll have to be signed off by a Recognised Engineer and the Council."

Visuals

Farmer talking to camera, his dam in background.

Audio

Farmer: "These rules are to protect our livelihood and the environment, while making sure family, neighbours and the community are safe."

Visuals

Shot of the engineer and farmer walking alongside the dam.

Audio

Farmer: "Find out how the changes affect you on MBIE's 'Building Performance' website."

Visuals

Aerial shot of vineyard dam surrounded by farmland.

Text on screen: www.building.govt.nz/managing-buildings/dam-safety.

Logos:

  • Building Performance
  • Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment

This information is published by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s Chief Executive. It is a general guide only and, if used, does not relieve any person of the obligation to consider any matter to which the information relates according to the circumstances of the particular case. Expert advice may be required in specific circumstances. Where this information relates to assisting people: