Minister unveils projects for flood resilience

Minister unveils projects for flood resilience | Insurance Business New Zealand

Insurance News

Minister unveils projects for flood resilience

These follow severe weather events last year

Insurance News

By
Jonalyn Cueto

The government has pledged over $15 million to enhance flood resilience in three regions, following severe weather events in 2023.

“Last week I announced funding of just under $12 million for Wairarapa and Northland flood resilience projects, these further projects bring the Government’s contribution this year to $26.8 million across 17 projects,” said Mark Mitchell, minister for Emergency Management and Recovery.

In a statement, Mitchell said three projects are underway to protect homes in areas impacted by landslides during severe weather events last year. These are Tauranga’s Egret Avenue and Te Mutu Crescent, ($7.3 million), Coromandel’s Thornton Bay ($1.3 million) and an area in Port Waikato ($1.1 million).

“Stabilising these landslides means people can return or remain in their homes, giving certainty to these communities,” said Mitchell.

An additional $3.3 million is designated for flood resilience efforts led by Thames Coromandel, Hauraki, Waikato, Waitomo, and Ōtotohanga District Councils. Mitchell noted these endeavors include clearing storm-damaged trees from waterways, removing gravel, and fortifying riverbanks.

“Some of the waterways to be cleared include the Lake Hakanoa chanel in Huntly, the Waihou Rivers Network in Hauraki/Thames Coromandel, and rivers in vulnerable areas of the Waikato, Waipā and Waikato’s West Coast,” the minister said.

Mitchell emphasized the importance of clearing waterways impacted by the 2023 severe weather incidents to diminish the risk of further flooding and subsequent damage to neighboring communities and lands. Additionally, he mentions supporting a project by Manawatū District Council ($1.675 million) aimed at safeguarding the water supply for residents in the Stanway-Halcombe rural water scheme area, including Halcombe Village.

“During the 2023 weather events, heavy rain in the Rangitīkei River affected water quality and resulted in a boil water notice for users of the Stanway-Halcombe rural water scheme. With government support, additional treatment capability will be available, reducing quality issues caused by the washout of riverbanks. The project will also support erosion mitigation works to protect against future weather events,” said Mitchell.

“These new projects will bring certainty to affected communities and ensure these areas are better equipped to withstand future severe weather events.”

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