Small farm dams are likely to be left out of dam safety regulations proposed by the Government following an independent review.
The scheme was due to come into force on 1 July, but farmers raised concerns about small dams having to face the same regulations as owners of big hydro-electric dams.
Building Minister Maurice Williamson says the review found that the proposed scheme was overly costly and complex.
He says it will now be amended to ensure only dams that pose a high safety risk require a safety plan.
Mr Williamson says the review also recommends that the definition of a large dam be increased to include dams that are at least eight metres high and hold a reservoir of 50,000 cubic metres.
An amended scheme will be tabled in Parliament later this year.
