In April 2017 the Whakatāne District experienced widespread damage to homes, property, businesses, the natural environment and infrastructure as a result of the events generated by ex-Tropical Cyclones Debbie and Cook.
Analysis of flow data gathered during that time, together with the growing body of knowledge about changing weather patterns, has shown that flood defences on the lower Whakatāne River need to be upgraded if they are to continue to protect the community from flooding in the coming decades.
The first part of the project will address known seepage issues on sections of the stopbank along Kakahoroa Drive and Quay Street. Seepage is when more water than is desirable passes through the stopbank.
This project is working closely with Whakatāne District Council and Ngāti Awa, to ensure that planning across the need to safeguard the town’s flood defence assets can align with the riverfront works underwritten by the Provincial Growth Fund.
The funding covers 75% of 4 million.
