In an exciting milestone, the final stage of stopbank construction to upgrade the Waipaoa flood control scheme is now underway.

Mayor Rehette Stoltz says the major project is a leading example in flood resilience nationally, with other regions taking a keen interest in the work being undertaken.

“It’s protecting our people, our primary industries, and our future — and the fact we’re now in the final stage is something our whole region can be proud of.”

Planning for the upgrade programme began in 2015 with resource consent granted in 2018, and the first construction work in 2019. The programme originally expected to be completed in 2030 but was accelerated through Government funding following both Covid-19 and Cyclone Gabrielle and is now due to be completed 4years ahead of schedule. The total project cost is forecast to be about $37 million. $27 million of this is funded by the Crown which has been a significant saving to ratepayers.

The Waipaoa flood control scheme includes 61.2km of stopbanks, protecting around 10,000 hectares of productive floodplain land. To date, approximately 54km has been successfully upgraded so far.

In this final stage, work is focused on raising and strengthening the stopbank along the northern side of the Whakaahu Stream near Patutahi Township, and the western side of the Waipaoa River around Waituhi, Kaitaratahi, and Waipaoa.

Over the coming months, stopbank construction will complete short 400m section alongside the Whakaahu Stream near Lavenham Bridge, and a 1500m section upstream along Lavenham Road and Matawai Road. The stopbank construction is expected to be completed by June 2026, weather permitting. Further rock armouring improvements will then take place in the 2026/27 summer to complete the wider flood scheme resilience upgrade.

The stopbank is being raised and widened to withstand a 100-year rain event and to allow for the impacts of climate change out to 2090.

Regional River Manager Joss Ruifrok says reaching this stage is a significant milestone.

“These upgrades are an investment in the region’s future resilience.

“Completing this last section means the entire Waipaoa stopbank network will be upgraded to withstand a flood event about 40% larger than Cyclone Gabrielle, helping protect people, land, and livelihoods well into the future.

“I’d like to thank Earthwork Solutions Limited, the local team carrying out this work. They’ve delivered every Waipaoa Stopbank project to a high standard since upgrade work began in 2019, and their consistent effort and commitment are truly appreciated.”

Mr Ruifrok acknowledges there may be some disruption for nearby residents and road users while work is underway.

“We really appreciate the community’s patience as we carry out this essential work.”

More detail on this project can be found on our website: Waipaoa Flood Control | Gisborne District Council

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