The $15 billion Lake Onslow battery project appears to be dead in the water, with the election of a new National-led government.
Labour has so far bankrolled the 'investigations phase' of the pumped hydro scheme, but National is promising to stop in its first 100 days in office.
Questions remain, however, about New Zealand's 'dry year problem' ahead of what's forecast to be hot, dry summer.
Political reporter Anneke Smith has more.
