Project Start Year: 2024
Stage One of Project Future Proof was completed in December 2024 and improved the flood defences in the Whakatane CBD, from McAlister Street Pump Station to the Whakatāne iSite.
Stage Two construction began in February 2025 and covers the area from the Whakatāne iSite through to the end of Quay Street. Due to the size and scale of Stage Two, work will progress in several stages. These stages include: Quay Street east (Wairere Bridge to the end of Quay Street, in front of the Regional Council building); Quay Street west (Whakatane iSite to Wairere Bridge), and; Wairere Stream foot bridge.
Benefits
Key features of Stage Two this work include upgrading flood defences (including removing the existing floodwall and creating a new one), increasing the width of the shared use pathway for pedestrians and cyclists, installing a pedestrian footbridge across Wairere Stream, retaining existing vegetation where appropriate, including large pōhutukawa trees, establishing new garden beds, retaining existing carparking arrangements and ensuring access to the river (awa) is maintained.
Adaptation and Resilience
The vision for this project is to improve flood protection along the river waterfront in a way that it continues to function as a community space that locals and visitors can enjoy and feel connected to the awa.
Collaboration
Bay of Plenty Regional Council is working closely with Whakatāne District Council and Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa. Regional Council has also worked with Central Government to support funding of this stage of the project, through the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF).
To find out more please visit: Project Future Proof.
