Project Start Year: 2024
The Lower Wairau River Flood Capacity Upgrade Programme involves the gradual enhancement of over nine kilometres of stopbanks along the Lower Wairau. The Lower Wairau is home to a historic Pā site and Māori land, particularly Māori housing and businesses that are disproportionately affected by flooding in this area.
The Peninsula Road Project is one element of the overall programme of works, but has become the district's number one priority for flood protection, as action is required with some urgency to repair and upgrade sections of Council’s primary stopbank network. Until this work is completed, the stopbanks are at an elevated risk of failing before reaching their design limits, compromising the safety of Spring Creek township and key transport links during a flood event. The project involves the placement of over 35,000 tonnes of armour-grade rock, including full berm and stopbank reconstruction to modern standards, while accommodating future climate scenarios.
Benefits, Adaptation and Resilience
Ensures the ongoing viability of Spring Creek township and nationally significant transport corridors.
Collaboration
This project is co-funded by the Marlborough District Council and central government through Kānoa’s Regional Infrastructure Fund to promote regional resilience and economic growth.
The project has, from the outset, received strong support from the Marlborough community, iwi, and Crown Agencies due to the significance of this critical stopbank. This co-investment underscores the national significance of flood management infrastructure, which safeguards not only the river but also vital infrastructure and communities.
