Project Start Year: 2025
Project Status: In Progress
The Ōreti Catchment Flood Protection Scheme Upgrade is focused on increasing flood resilience for Winton, Dipton West, and the surrounding productive farmland. Winton is a key service town on State Highway 6, providing essential healthcare, education, and emergency services to the broader rural community.
Climate change is expected to bring 10% more rainfall and a 13% increase in river flows for the Ōreti catchment by 2040-2050. These changes will put additional pressure on the flood protection network. This project restores the scheme to its intended level of service by addressing deferred maintenance and improving the hydraulic efficiency of the flood channels.
The work includes strengthening key stop banks to improve resilience during major flood events. Removing pest trees, including crack willow, will help reduce erosion and improve water flow—particularly near critical infrastructure such as the bridges at Winton and Centre Bush.
Benefits
Protects homes, businesses, productive farmland, and critical infrastructure from flood risk.
Enhances river health by stabilising margins, reducing sediment and contaminants, and improving habitat for aquatic species.
Builds local capacity in river engineering and project management, supporting long-term resilience efforts.
Adaptation & Resilience
Restores the Ōreti Flood Protection Scheme to a 1-in-20-year level of service, preparing for future climatic changes.
Increases river stability and channel capacity to accommodate increased flows and reduce erosion risks.
Supports the continued development of local contractor capability and river engineering expertise.
Collaboration
Involves experienced local contractors and partners to deliver the work efficiently, with an accelerated timeline providing cost savings, reduced transport costs, and a lower carbon footprint for greater sustainability.
Co-funded by Environment Southland and central government through Kānoa’s Regional Infrastructure Fund.
This upgrade is part of Environment Southland’s commitment to protecting Murihiku Southland’s people, land, and economy from the growing risks of flooding and climate change.
Learn more about Environment Southland’s Ōreti Catchment Flood Protection Scheme.
