Our community flood resilience projectsNgā Kaupapa Tohe Waipuke Hāpori

No flood protection system in the world can guarantee complete protection, but these projects will significantly reduce risk. Stopbanks and other flood mitigation infrastructure including flood walls, floodways and pump stations, along with improved river management, work together to give communities a higher level of protection and more time to respond when extreme weather hits.

Each project has its own timeline, but most major works are scheduled to begin in 2025-26 and 2026, with all construction planned to be fully complete by mid-2027.  Some key infrastructure upgrades are already underway.

For some projects, we will need access to private land for construction and ongoing maintenance. We’re working closely with impacted landowners to negotiate access a=. Communities can also expect ongoing updates, drop-in sessions, and other engagement. It’s essential our communities are onboard with us – an enduring, resilient system needs us all to be in the same waka paddling together.

Some flood-prone properties were classified as Category 2C after Cyclone Gabrielle, meaning people living on these properties were considered to be at high risk of life for large-scale flood events. These projects aim to reduce that risk, so affected properties can be reclassified as Category 1 – allowing people to stay, rebuild, and move forward with confidence.

It’s a temporary law change that allows us to speed up the resource consent process while still considering environmental and cultural impacts. In plain terms? It means we can get flood protection built faster, without getting bogged down in years of red tape, while still working within the principles of the Resource Management Act.

Flood resilience isn’t just about engineering – it’s about working with nature. We’re incorporating ecological considerations into every project, ensuring our rivers, wetlands, and landscapes are protected and enhanced wherever possible.

We’re committed to open communication. You can:

• Sign up for email updates (see the box below)
• Attend local engagement sessions when they happen.
• Check the HBRC website for the latest project news.
• Get in touch if you have specific questions.