Halswell/Huritini weed barrier replacement

This project involves the design and construction of an improved structure for the collection and removal of cut weed from the Halswell River/Huritini.

Weed is cut from the riverbed to manage water levels (both ground and surface water) in the Halswell/Huritini catchment.

Cut river weed must be prevented from entering Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere, a nationally important wetland of significant cultural importance.

If weed were to enter the lake, it would severely degrade water quality through the release of stored nutrients during decomposition.

Works underway

The winch and screen required are currently in production in Australia, with the contractor working to complete and ship the structure by the end of the first quarter of 2024, with installation to follow.

Resource consent was granted in December 2023. The contractor for physical works has been awarded to Grand Hood Contracting and the kick-off meeting with the project team was held in late 2023.

The current weed barrier looking towards Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere

Weed collected by the weed barrier in the Halswell River/Huritini