The Tairāwhiti Rivers Recovery Field Trip, held on 26-27 February 2025, was a two-day gathering that brought together experts from around the country, community leaders, and locals to explore the ongoing recovery of the region’s rivers and infrastructure in the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle.
Key topics on day one included the challenges of maintaining drinking water supply amidst weather impacts, the protection of inanga spawning habitats, and the damage to infrastructure like the East Coast State Highway due to flooding and subsequent erosion. Presentations also highlighted the resilience of lifelines from a whanau and hapū perspective. Attendees visited Hikuwai Bridge and Mangahauini Gorge to observe firsthand the flood-affected areas and the measures in place for recovery.
Day two of the field trip focused on resilience and explored the impact of Cyclone Gabrielle on dwellings and the innovative response to managing woody debris scattered across the region. Discussions also covered post-flood resilience recommendations and flood risk modelling for Tairāwhiti, including hydraulic modelling as well as predictive and geomorphically integrated approaches to better understand sediment movement and flood behaviours. The group also explored the history of Tairāwhiti at Puhi Kai Iti / Cook Landing site as well as visiting the Waituhi stopbank, Te Karaka Township - including the soon to be relocated Rangatira Marae, and the Mahunga floodgates.
The trip provided a comprehensive view of the region’s recovery, from infrastructure repair to flood modelling, highlighting the collaboration between local iwi, councils, and experts to build resilience for future events.
Visit the related Resilient River Communities project, here.
