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Smaller Flood Scheme reviewsNgā Arotake Tāwharau Iti

Do they work as intended? Will they work in the future?

Different types of schemes

There are three types of schemes: flood schemes; drainage schemes; and river and stream maintenance schemes.

  • Flood schemes use stopbanks, deflection banks, groynes (low walls or barriers built out into the sea from a waterway), and erosion protection to manage river flows.
  • Drainage schemes use stopbanks, drains, detention dams, pump stations, control gates, and floodgates to manage floodwater and support land development.
  • River and stream maintenance schemes focus on maintenance, clearing blockages, and minor erosion control.

What is involved in a Scheme Review?

The reviews include:

  • Assessment of the infrastructure – its condition and current effectiveness
  • Hydrological and hydraulic analysis – flood risk data, water flow patterns and the impact of climate change on future rainfall events
  • Operational and maintenance analysis – how effective the maintenance schedule is
  • Public and stakeholder involvement – gathering feedback from you
  • Recommendations for improvements – infrastructure upgrades, new technologies, or policy changes

What do schemes cost and how are they paid for?

Each scheme has a different cost structure and budget. There are some costs that are common like insurance or pump station running costs, but each scheme has its own operating budget which is set, consulted on and approved in the Council’s Long Term Plan.

Schemes are paid for through a combination of targeted and general rates. The amount depends on many factors including who benefits from the scheme, and if any ‘reserved funding’ which is collected targeted rates that have not been used yet. During the community engagement phase, the potential costs and the rates split will be shared with you.

About the engagement

 We are assessing the effectiveness of our smaller flood control, drainage and river management schemes that serve communities that don’t fall under the larger flood mitigation schemes such as the Heretaunga Plains. These are:

  • Haumoana
  • Te Awanga / Maraetotara
  • Upper Makara
  • Esk / Whirinaki
  • Raupare / Twyford
  • Karamu
  • Pōrangahau
  • Nuhaka
  • Wairoa
  • Poukawa
  • Puninga / Clive / Muddy Creek

Our reviews aim to assess how well these schemes are functioning, engage with local landowners, review the funding of the scheme and plan for the future.

There will be several ways communities can voice their opinions, provide feedback and get involved in the reviews.

  • Community engagement drop-in sessions will be held from March to July 2025.
  • A dedicated email address project.enquiries@hbrc.govt.nz for enquiries or feedback.
Smaller Flood Scheme reviews

Community drop-in session

March to July 2025

Reviews scheduled

To be completed by the end of 2025

Outcome of the Scheme Reviews

To inform the Long Term Plan 2027-2037, starting development in September 2026

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Community engagement drop-in sessions 

Upper Makara
10am-2pm,  Saturday 5 April , Elsthorpe Hall 

Esk/Whirinaki
10am-2pm, Saturday 12 April, Esk Church Hall 

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