Project Start Year: 2026
The Lower Motueka River Stopbanks Level of Service Upgrade is supported by central government co-investment through the Regional Infrastructure Fund. This project follows work completed through Stage Two of the Motueka River Stopbank Refurbishment project, the Lower Motueka River Stopbank Network project, and the Peach Island project.
The Lower Motueka River Stopbanks Level of Service Upgrade project constructs new, and upgrades existing, stopbank and associated flood resilience infrastructure to increase protection to Motueka and surrounding area.This project increases flood resilience, supporting the protection of assets worth around $2.23 billion (by capital value).
The effects of 2026 weather events reinforced the need for appropriate protection of fertile and productive land, homes and livelihoods, while building further climate resilience for our community.
This second tranche of funding enables Tasman District Council to prioritise its works programme, continue flood recovery efforts, as well as address areas that will benefit from increased resilience against future flooding events.
Benefits
Building and maintaining a strong stopbank network is a high priority for those who live and work within the reaches of the Motueka River.
The funding supports new construction and upgrades to existing stopbanks and associated infrastructure to increase flood resilience for Motueka and surrounding areas.
Adaptation and Resilience
Flooding of the Motueka River in heavy rain events is something the local community has come to expect. Providing more robust stopbanks that will last many years enables Tasman District Council to be ready for future climate-related changes to river flow and in turn, build more resilient river communities.
Collaboration
This project has been co-funded through the Regional Investment Fund (RIF) and Tasman District Council
Tasman District Council maintains close engagement and collaboration with its contractors and the community who will ultimately benefit, including iwi and landowners who have a direct connection to, or reliance on, the river.
The Motueka River is integral to so many within the community – for business, recreation and kaimoana. Tasman District Council are pleased to be able to continue this work for the purpose of protecting homes and livelihoods, while building further climate resilience for the Motueka community.
