Flooding is the most common natural hazard we all face in New Zealand. As the world confronts a changing climate, we can expect the extent of flooding we experience to be affected through variations in rainfall, temperature and sea-level as well as river channel changes.

Between 2021 and 2023 more than $24 million will be spent in 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(external link) which will see 55 projects completed nationwide by 2023 with a total of $312 million spent. 

Find out more about our programme to build community resilience to climate-change induced flood events.

Current climate resilience flood protection projects

Regionwide planting and berm transition

Find out how planting and berm transition can increase flood resilience.

Waitarakao Washdyke Lagoon pipe capping

The Waitarakao Washdyke pipes are an outlet for schemes that we manage.

Ashley River/Rakahuri vegetation clearance

Find out about weed control works in the Ashley River/Rakahuri.

Halswell/Huritini weed barrier replacement

Find out how we’re protecting Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere from cut weeds.

Rangitata 2019 flood recovery

Find out about flood recovery works following the major flood event in December 2019.

Waiau township stopbank remediation and construction

Find out about stopbank works protecting Waiau township.

Waimakariri River flood protection at McIntoshs bend

Find out about the rock armouring works protecting Kaiapoi.

Fish passage remediation

Read more about what we’re doing to help fish travel.