Project Start Year: 2025
The Ashley River/Rakahuri Flood Resilience Infrastructure Upgrades project involves upgrading stopbanks and associated flood protection infrastructure within the Ashley Rakahuri scheme. It includes investigations of the primary stopbank and groyne network to identify areas that are vulnerable and require upgrades, and clearance of overgrown and compromised vegetation within the river’s berms and fairways, which are near critical bridges (including SH1).
Benefits
The project improves flood reliance and supports community resilience for the Rangiora, Kaiapoi and Southbrook townships as well as improving flood resilience for national assets valued at around $6.8 billion, including 13,500 hectares of land, 7927 properties, SH1, marae, aged care facilities and seven schools.
Adaptation and Resilience
Events such as the 2023 Auckland floods and Cyclone Gabrielle have shown that extreme rainfall and flooding are occurring more often and causing more damage than in the past. Scientific evidence points to climate change increasing the intensity and frequency of these events. This project supports the future climate and flood resilience of the region through the upgrade and repair of critical flood protection infrastructure embracing the full PARA approach to flood risk – Protect, Accommodate, Retreat, Avoid (see image).
Collaboration
This project has been co-funded through central government’s Regional Investment Fund (RIF) and Environment Canterbury.
This project upgrades critical flood infrastructure and significantly improves the flood capacity of the Ashley Rakahuri River. Removal of vegetation within the river also reduces the risk of debris loads during flood events which can cause damage to bridges and critical infrastructure.
These upgrades help to build resilient river communities by better protecting homes, businesses, farms, hospitals, schools, and key transport routes including roads, rail, and the state highway network from future flood events.
Find out more on: River projects | Environment Canterbury
