pA preferred option to protect areas in Masterton at risk of flooding from the Waipoua River has been proposed by Greater Wellington in collaboration with the local community and mana whenua.

Incorporating feedback received from community engagement earlier this year, the preferred flood risk management option recommends upgrading and extending the existing stopbanks and investigating the use of nature-based solutions in the upper catchment.

Wairarapa councillor Adrienne Staples says community input to the project has been crucial.

“Community members, mana whenua representatives, Greater Wellington and Masterton District Council staff have been working together to devise flood risk management strategies since 2019,” says Cr Staples.

“Combining the technical knowledge of council staff and the lived experience of locals means we can create lasting flood risk management plans while drawing from a diverse range of viewpoints.”

Greater Wellington’s director for knowledge and insights, Dave Hipkins, says the development of the preferred option is a significant milestone in improving Masterton’s flood resilience.

“Masterton is built on a floodplain between three rivers, with parts of the urban area at risk from flooding in a 1% AEP flood — a flood that has a 1:100 chance of occurring in any given year,” says Hipkins.

“As we’ve experienced with Cyclone Gabrielle and other severe weather events recently there are devastating effects from flooding and these events are likely to become more unpredictable and hazardous due to climate change.

“This proposal will improve Masterton’s flood resilience capability and preserve community infrastructure and urban areas. We are grateful for all the input we heard from locals and for the commitment of those involved in the Waipoua Project Team.”

More information about flood risk management is available at Greater Wellington: https://www.gw.govt.nz/your-region/emergency-and-hazard-management/flood-protection/our-work/rivers-and-streams/upper-ruamahanga-river/

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