In 2020, the government declared a climate change emergency, recognising the need for us all to prepare for the impacts of a warming climate - including more erosion, more flash floods and wildfires in our region. Climate change is the most significant long-term issue facing our communities. We’re expecting sea level rise, coastal erosion and more frequent flooding that will affect homes, recreation areas and infrastructure.
We need strong flood protection to keep our people and communities safe when rivers break their banks during heavy rains. We also need to protect our region's vital horticulture, viticulture and farming assets from the growing impacts of climate change.
That's why we're accelerating delivery of the Waipaoa Flood Control Climate Change Resilience project - to provide the greater level of protection our community needs, and to safeguard both economic development and wellbeing for the future.
Increasing flood protection for Poverty Bay floodplains and Gisborne city
The aim of this project is to increase the level of flood protection provided by the Waipaoa Flood Control Scheme (WFCS) to a 1-in-100-year return period, accounting for climate change effects through to the year 2090.
The WFCS includes approximately 64km of stopbanks along the Waipaoa River, along with other river control structures and protection works (such as pipes and floodgates). These were originally constructed between 1953 and 1967 to protect the Poverty Bay floodplains and Gisborne city.
Resource consent for stopbank improvement work was granted on 26 October 2018, with construction beginning in February 2019.
Originally designed in 1949 and built between 1953 and 1969, the WFCS is considered one of Council’s most valuable assets. It protects around 10,000 hectares of highly productive floodplain land.
The current upgrade programme, which began in 2019, involves strengthening and improving approximately 64km of stopbanks along the Waipaoa River. It is now expected to be completed by June 2027 - 4 years ahead of the original 2030/31 schedule.
Stopbank work
As part of the upgrade, stopbanks are being made both higher and wider. The top crest width is being increased from 1.5 metres to 4 metres, and in some areas, stopbank heights are being raised by 1–2 metres.
Experts have advised that these improvements are necessary to provide the full level of protection required for the region.
Project budget and progress update
Upcoming upgrade work
In August 2020, we received $7.5m in external funding support by Kanoa to accelerate the delivery phase of the stopbank upgrade project. This support significantly reduces the financial contribution required from our community.
In December 2023, the government approved an additional $20.46m, further strengthening our ability to deliver this critical flood protection work.
| Date planned | Stopbank location |
|---|---|
| Sept 2025 | Upgrade near Patutahi and Waituhi - approx 2km remaining |
| Oct onwards | Final 6km of stopbank, to begin near Kaitaratahi Bridge (western side) |
| Oct 2025 – Dec 2025 | Upgrade remaining Waituhi area up to 678 Lavenham Road - 1.5km |
| Oct 2025 - June 2026 | Upgrade between 1053 Lavenham Road and 1913 Matawai Road - 6.5km |
| March - May 2026 | Install 'flood door' across KiwiRail low point near ocean |
| Oct 2026 - June 2027 | Rock armouring works at multiple locations across the WFCS |
| June 2027 | Waipaoa Flood Control Scheme fully upgraded and operational on both sides |
Total project cost estimate - $35-37 million (approx)