The Waitarakao Washdyke pipes are an outlet for one of the drainage schemes that Canterbury Regional Council (Environment Canterbury) manages. The pipes were at risk of being damaged if water overtopped the bank during high tide or significant weather events.
For this project, the pipes have been secured in place with concrete to prevent damage during these events. The work also significantly reduced the flooding risk to the nearby walking track, public area, and adjacent banks. Remediation works were completed in March 2023 with further enhancement planting completed in November 2023.
The structure is located on a reef that is of high cultural significance to mana whenua. The Waitarakao Working Group has since been formed, including Te Rūnanga o Arowhenua, Environment Canterbury, Department of Conservation and Timaru District Council representatives to support the wider regeneration of the catchment beyond the scope of this project.