Project Start Year: 2026
This project is one of 16 being carried out across South Wairarapa and Kapiti. The Whakawhiriwhiri Stream flows through an overland floodway in South Wairarapa and takes some of the remaining ponded water from the Tawaha floodway. The stream is now unable to convey the ponded water, causing flooding for affected landowners. The aim is to accommodate flooding and environmental considerations while managing flood risk to the community.
Benefits: Each project aims to deliver improved climate resilience and safety outcomes for the community, businesses, industry and infrastructure caused by repeated river flooding and erosion, at an overall reduced cost to ratepayers.
Adaptation: Ecosystems and biodiversity will improve by providing more space for river channels. This will lead to a more diverse aquatic and riparian habitat, better connections between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and improved safety outcomes for nearby homes and facilities.
Resilience: Continued flood hazard management and erosion protection for land using sustainable management approaches enhance flood resilience in the area.
Collaboration: The work is co-funded by Greater Wellington and central government through Kānoa’s Regional Infrastructure Fund and provides the opportunity for mana whenua to be actively involved in decision-making and mātāwaka to be working on the ground, as well as upskilling and developing professionally.
Greater Wellington’s purpose is to enrich life in the Wellington region by building resilient, connected and prosperous communities, protecting and enhancing our natural assets and instilling pride in what makes us unique.
