Whirinaki Whirinaki

About the Whirinaki project

This work ensures that 46 Category 2C properties move to Category 1. Potential solution includes stopbanking, drainage, and stream works. Read about our other projects here.

Click here for a project map

Latest update | February 2025

Thanks to everyone who joined us at Wednesday’s ‘tailgate’ info session – great to connect, share updates, and hear your thoughts.

The challenge remains: the current design won’t work without raising State Highway 2. Originally, this was to be funded through Transport Rebuild East Coast (TREC), but with its budget slashed and closure set for June, that funding is gone. We’re now chasing other options, including an application to Kānoa (MBIE) and ongoing discussions with NZTA.

While we work through this, design and planning continue. The proposed flood protection includes:

• Upgrading the Whirinaki stopbank to protect the industrial area (1-in-500-year flood standard).
• A new 880m stopbank for the residential area, running from the Esk River mouth along North Shore Road and Pohutukawa Drive.
• Raising SH-2 and upgrading the culvert to match stopbank height.

Government funding takes time – but we’re pushing ahead and will keep you posted.