Environment Minister Amy Adams has called in a Hawke's Bay Regional Council proposal to build a $600 million irrigation dam, meaning a government-appointed board will consider the resource consents.
The minister said on Monday an Environmental Protection Authority recommendation to call in the plan means it meets the criteria for being nationally significant.
Ms Adams said a board of inquiry she will appoint will consider the proposal over the next nine months.
The public will eventually have 20 days to make submissions.
