Our waterways are vulnerable to infestations of exotic pest plant species that can choke our braided rivers and restrict the natural functions of waterways.
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Leading flood and river resilience
Last updated: 22 February 2023
Reporting frequency: Quarterly
Portfolio: Climate change and community resilience
We are reducing river flood risk to people and property through building and maintaining high quality flood protection, land drainage and erosion control infrastructure, while managing associated land.
Between 2021 and 2023 more than $24 million will be spent in Waitaha Canterbury on a programme of flood protection projects thanks to central government’s climate resilience fund and local funding. These projects are part of the Resilient River Communities programme which will see 55 projects completed nationwide by 2023 with a total of $312 million spent.
Another significant focus for this programme is flood recovery from the May 2021 flooding event, which was an unprecedented weather event with both long and intense periods of rainfall. The effects were felt from the Waimakariri District through to the Mackenzie. In the Ashburton River/Hakatere catchment area the weather event was of a magnitude greater than everywhere else in the region.
This work also includes:
- Management of flood protection and drainage infrastructure assets across 59 schemes within the Canterbury region.
- Providing flood alerts and flood management.
- River and coastal surveying
- Ensuring appropriate authorisations and permissions are granted for activities impacting Canterbury’s rivers and our assets.
- Fluvial gravel management
- Management of forestry and land owned by us.
How are we tracking on our Levels of Service?
Level of Service 26: Maintain flood protection and drainage infrastructure to agreed standards, while considering broader outcomes.
To achieve this level of service we will:
- 26.1 Manage flood protection and drainage infrastructure in accordance with Asset Management Plans and desired broader community outcomes.
- a) Initiate the development of a regional river strategy to identify opportunities to manage rivers for a range of values.
- b) Publish an annual report on scheme condition, for all schemes in accordance with relevant Asset Management.
- c) Initiate a review of the River Rating District Committees’ structure and membership.
How are we doing: For target 26.1a our recent focus has been on identifying scope and alignment with existing river strategies and operational projects. The timing and alignment with other work programmes and engagement opportunities may impact our ability to meet this level of service. Targets 26.1b and 26.1c are on track
At risk
Level of Service 26: Maintain flood protection and drainage infrastructure to agreed standards, while considering broader outcomes.
To achieve this level of service we will:
- 26.2 Complete scheme reviews in accordance with the 30-Year Infrastructure Strategy
- 26.3 Complete a review of the gravel management strategy
How are we doing: For target 26.2, the scheme reviews scheduled for last year were delayed, so we are working to catch up. Internal resourcing remains a challenge. Technical investigations continue to progress in a number of scheme reviews and a work plan is being scoped for the Selwyn/Waikirikiri river.
For target 26.3, we are at risk of not achieving this target due to the time required to allow for engagement with partners and stakeholders. Engagement occurred with Te Paiherenga in early December and initial workshops have been held with Industry and the Gravel Liaison Committee. Further hui are scheduled with other key stakeholders in early 2023.
At risk
Level of Service 27: Provide flood alerts and warning when trigger levels are exceeded.
To achieve this level of service we will:
- 27.1 Respond to exceedance of trigger levels.
How are we doing: Current alerts are prominently displayed on our website.
On track
How are we doing on our key initiatives?
Scope the 100-year regional river strategy
How are we doing: The scope of the strategy has been developed and the next step is to engage with mana whenua to ensure the scope reflects our shared values and outcomes.
Monitor
Develop a Land & Property Strategy
How are we doing: We have initiated desktop pilots in three catchments to inform strategy development.
On track
Recent highlights and updates
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