Recently there has been increased interest in small hydro-electric schemes, many of which will include dams. Although there is no official New Zealand code for the design of dams the practice of the Ministry of Works and Development, for reasons which are explained, influences the design of most dams in this country. The paper describes the guide-lines currently used by the Ministry of Works and Development for the design of dams against earthquakes. Some background information is given on seismicity, history of design approaches, and experience of dams in earthquakes, all as they relate to New Zealand. Reference is made to some general aspects of dam design which help to set the anti-seismic guide- lines in perspective.