A summer of action on Waitaha Canterbury's rivers - our flood protection projects
Flooding is Aotearoa New Zealandâs most frequent natural hazard â and itâs getting worse as our climate changes.
Across Waitaha Canterbury, weâve seen the impact first-hand: homes damaged, roads cut off and communities disrupted. Itâs a big challenge, but as your regional council, weâre pushing on to deliver the vital flood protection work we need.
Every day, weâre working to protect people, property, and livelihoods. Our flood protection network spans 2,000 kms of rivers and streams, with stopbanks, floodgates, and drainage systems worth around $850 million.
A busy summer
This summer, weâre kicking off a new wave of projects to upgrade flood infrastructure from Pareora to KaikĹura - thanks to the second round of Regional Infrastructure (RIF) funding administered by KÄnoa â Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit.
Thereâs a lot going on as we start this work in multiple areas, including stopbank repairs and upgrades, and flood capacity improvements.
Work that is happening in South Canterbury
Work that is happening in North Canterbury
These large-scale river and flood management projects will help vulnerable areas across Waitaha become more resilient to the impacts of climate change and are designed to better protect communities, infrastructure, and the environment.
The co-investment through RIF funding means projects from the Long-Term Plan can happen sooner, and weâre not stopping there - alongside Te Uru Kahika, weâre advocating strongly for further funding because flood resilience is a national issue, and communities shouldnât have to bear these costs alone.
Get involved
Across the region, flood protection and drainage works are carried out in 59 dedicated rating districts. These works are called scheme works.
Scheme works are funded mainly by targeted rates from those who benefit. But thanks to the RIF co-funding, communities arenât carrying the full cost.
We need eyes and ears on the ground to help us understand whether the current level of protection and resilience from flooding and erosion is being met, or if the districtâs drainage network is being adequately maintained.
Community Preparedness and Response to Hazards Core Service Lead Councillor Ian Mackenzie said this is where our Flood Protection and Drainage Liaison Groups play an important role.
âFlood protection and drainage are vital for our communities, but we need local knowledge to make sure our schemes are doing their job. Thatâs why our liaison groups are so important - they help us plan, prioritise, and keep the communityâs voice at the table.â
If you would like further information on liaison committee meetings, contact your rating district chair or local area engineer via the advisory team on 0800 324 636.
Check out the river projects in your area