Flood resilience projects

Following Budget 2024, Greater Wellington and MBIE’s Regional Economic Development and Investment Unit, Kānoa, have agreed to co-fund 16 flood resilience projects as part of a nationwide initiative. The programme spans 15 sites across Wairarapa and 1 in Ōtaki, which are critical in future proofing community, infrastructure, cultural taonga and the economy, following a major flooding event.

These areas have been chosen specifically due to flood vulnerability and broader outcomes for the local communities. The sites were identified and consulted upon through development of Te Kāuru Upper Ruamāhanga Floodplain Management Plan, the Waiōhine Rakahanga River Plan, and the Lower Wairarapa Valley Development Scheme, and all projects have been granted resource consent.

The 16 project sites, awa, types of works and estimated start dates are detailed in the table below. Download the map of the project sites. (JPG 114 KB)  

Supporting local communities

An important part of our flood resilience work in Wairarapa includes working with local communities and businesses to deliver environmental, cultural or economic outcomes that will provide long-term public value for Aotearoa.

When planning our projects we think about how our work might help create opportunities for Māori, Pasifika and regional businesses, as well as social enterprises.

These broader outcomes have multiple advantages:

• They contribute to the growth and wellbeing of flood-resilient towns and cities
• They help increase community knowledge and understanding of flood protection
• They support initiatives that benefit communities, the environment and the economy.

For example, local Māori-owned business Mills Albert has been appointed as the lead contractor for our flood resilience projects.  Mills Albert has previous experience in climate resilience and rock placement work for Greater Wellington.

We work closely with iwi to ensure their ideas and perspectives are taken into consideration. Native planting plans are designed with local hapū, iwi and landowners to meet their long-term aspirations. This mahi creates employment opportunities for local whānau.

We also support the Ahu Collective which works with hard-to-reach and disconnected whānau.   Teams have helped with planting in the Waiohine Gorge, learning about the history of the land and contributing to its environmental wellbeing.