Project Start Year: 2025-2026 season
The East Taieri Lower Pond structure upgrades strengthen key flood protection infrastructure along the true right bank of the Owhiro River, about 500 metres upstream from where it meets the Taieri River. The project focuses on the Lower Pond gravity gates, culverts, and gabion headwalls (structural retaining walls built from wire mesh baskets filled with rocks or stones, specifically used at the inlet or outlet of culverts or pipes), which manage the flow of floodwaters into the Taieri River. During high river flows prior to these works, backflow from the Taieri River into the Lower Pond has been observed, highlighted the need to improve the aging gates and associated structures.
The works replace or upgrade deteriorating components to ensure the gates operate reliably and the surrounding floodbanks remain stable. This approach combines careful engineering with best-practice flood management to protect the surrounding community, farmland, and critical infrastructure.
Benefits
The project protects around 13,000 people, more than 5,000 homes, 11,000 hectares of farmland, schools, roads, bridges, rail lines, Dunedin International Airport, and essential services. Upgrading the gates reduces flood risk, improves water management, and safeguards people and property.
Adaptation
By reinforcing the gates and supporting structures, the project helps the flood protection system respond to future extreme weather events and changing river flows caused by climate change.
Resilience
These upgrades strengthen the Lower Taieri Flood Protection Scheme, ensuring it continues to perform reliably during high-flow events, protecting the community, critical infrastructure, and productive land over the long term.
Collaboration
This project has been co-funded through central government’s Regional Investment Fund (RIF) and Otago Regional Council
The project builds on partnerships with local suppliers and central government. Local expertise and ongoing collaboration ensure the work benefits both the community and the environment.
Through these upgrades, the Lower Pond structure will remain a trusted part of the flood protection scheme, helping the East Taieri community stay safe, resilient, and prepared for the future.
