New Wairoa River mouth management approach boosts flood resilience

Published: 23 December 2025

A new river mouth management approach developed by Hawke’s Bay Regional Council is now in place at Wairoa. The approach is specifically tailored to the Wairoa River bar, making it unique within Hawke’s Bay. It reduces flood risk for the town and improves safety.

The work, carried out at the Wairoa River bar at the end of Kopu Road, involves maintaining a lowered river mouth crest shaped like a funnel, with a small bund on the seaward side. This design allows the river mouth to be opened more quickly and safely when conditions are right, particularly ahead of forecast heavy rainfall.

Regional Council’s Wairoa Councillor Di Roadley says the change reflects lessons learned from previous high-flow and storm events. “By preparing early we can act faster when conditions change. The new system also helps reduce flood risk for the community and ensure safer working conditions for our contractors.”

The lowered crest was first put in place in late June, with the funnel-shaped design introduced in November. Maintenance is carried out as needed depending on the sea conditions, with recent work completed two weeks ago. “This new approach is the result of learning and adapting so we can keep improving how we manage the river mouth," says Councillor Roadley.

The method has been developed through on-site observations and ongoing reviews by operations managers, engineers, and external consultants. Council staff also work closely with Wairoa District Council and Tātau Tātau o Te Wairoa.

Wairoa-raised Māui ki Te Raki Councillor Michelle McIlroy says, “The work highlights the importance of local knowledge. Our Kihitu whānau hold generational mātauranga about the ngutu awa (river mouth), alongside hapori (community) members with deep fishing knowledge passed down over time. This sits alongside the practical experience of Pryde Contracting, a company held in high regard by our community, and our Council team of experts.  Together, these kete of knowledge are equally important to the safety, wellbeing, and resilience of Wairoa.”

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