• NZ’s largest crane deployed to reposition a section of the Eastern Interceptor, unlocking Harania Creek’s flow to the Manukau Harbour
• Major flood risk reduction for Māngere to lower flood levels by increasing stormwater capacity and flood resilience
• Part of a $760m flood resilience programme is on track and due for completion mid-2026

A crane unlike anything seen before in New Zealand is about to take centre stage in Māngere and it’s arriving for one critical job: helping reduce flood risk for local homes.

The massive crane, the largest of its kind in the country is so substantial it must be assembled on site using another crane and is the only one capable of lifting a new section of the Eastern Interceptor into place.

As part of the Harania Flood Resilience Project, the old pipe section that sat within an embankment in the creek has been demolished. The new pipe section will be lifted onto new piled foundations and, once the embankment is removed, the creek will be able to carry water freely to the harbour instead of backing up and contributing to flooding during heavy rain.

This marks a pivotal milestone in the $15.7 million Harania Flood Resilience Project, part of Auckland Council’s Making Space for Water programme.

Chair of the Transport, Infrastructure and Development Committee Councillor Andy Baker says the project highlights the importance of strong collaboration and acting with urgency.

“This is exactly the kind of work we need to see, central government and Auckland Council working together to invest in critical infrastructure that protects our communities,” he says.

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“The impacts of recent flooding events have made it clear we can’t afford to delay. Projects like Harania are essential, and they need to be delivered at pace to reduce risk and give people greater confidence in the future.”

By opening the waterway and increasing stormwater capacity, the project will reduce flood levels for at least 45 properties, including 13 previously assessed as facing an “intolerable risk to life”. It will also improve access for maintenance and strengthen the network’s ability to cope with increasingly intense weather events.

Auckland Council General Manager Healthy Waters Craig McIlroy says the project is about delivering real, lasting support to communities that have borne the brunt of recent storms.

“Communities across Auckland have experienced firsthand the devastating impacts of flooding in recent years, and projects like this are critical to reducing that risk,” he says.

“This is about protecting people, homes and livelihoods, not just now, but into the future. By investing in infrastructure that increases capacity and resilience, we’re helping ensure communities like Māngere are better prepared for the more extreme weather we know is coming.”

Construction began in April 2025 and remains on track for completion by October 2026.

Alongside the pipe bridge, works include creating a more naturalised stream through the Wai-purea / Blake Road Reserve, building a new footbridge and undertaking riparian planting to restore the stream environment.

Project Manager Leighton Gillespie says reaching this stage reflects both the scale and complexity of the work.

“This has been a challenging project from day one, with tight site constraints, complex engineering requirements and the need to keep everything moving safely and efficiently,” he says.

“Bringing in a crane of this size shows just how significant this lift is both literally and for the wider project. It’s a crucial step that unlocks the next phase of works that will ultimately deliver the flood resilience the community needs.”

While the project will not eliminate flooding entirely, it represents a significant step toward reducing the scale and impact of future events and building a more resilient Māngere for years to come.

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