The Waimakariri and Kaiapoi River stopbanks protect Kaiapoi township and the surrounding area from flooding. They are part of the Waimakariri-Eyre-Cust flood protection system which is maintained by Environment Canterbury.
In the 1960s, riverbank rock armour was installed to prevent erosion and stopbank breach on this very sharp bend. Over the years the river has narrowed, and a deep scour hole has developed, increasing erosion vulnerability.
The new rock works will strengthen existing rock protection around McIntoshs bend and add new rock protection along the lower Kaiapoi River and adjacent stopbank.
Find out more about the Kaiapoi flood protection project
