Iwi-Council partnership delivering long-awaited flood mitigation works
Work to reduce flooding in Kāeo by removing channel sediment, trees and debris is progressing thanks to collaboration between Te Rūnanga o Whaingaroa, Far North District Council and Northland Regional Council.
Work to reduce flooding in Kāeo by removing channel sediment, trees and debris is progressing thanks to collaboration between Te Rūnanga o Whaingaroa, Far North District Council and Northland Regional Council.
The mitigation work is being undertaken thanks to a $673,000 funding boost from the government’s Three Waters Better-Off Funding Package. The project will also include modelling works and investigate options for electronic signage with Waka Kotahi.
A community hui run by Northland Regional Council (NRC) earlier this year raised many concerns about basic upkeep of waterways and flood protection deferred due to budget constraints. Both councils and the local community are now working together to finish flood risk reduction projects in Kāeo and Whangaroa catchments.
The funding was secured with the support of Far North District councillor’s Penetaui Kleskovic, Tāmati Rākena and Steve McNally.
Rāniera Kaio of Te Rūnanga o Whaingaroa says there are specific requirements for the fund.
“The projects had to involve iwi Māori in the decision-making process, be sustainable and deliver improvements in community well-being. We ensured this by applying local knowledge and engaging local contractors to carry out the work.”
The project working group, which comprises NRC, Hoskin Civil and Te Rūnanga o Whaingaroa, meets monthly to discuss priority areas based on community feedback and to ensure work is progresses.
The next community hui is scheduled in Kāeo on 7 March 2024.
Main image: Downstream of Fire Station rock wall progress
Image below: Benching and opening of Waikare Creek
Image below: Upstream of Waikare Creek shaping the confluence (Before)
Image below: Upstream of Waikare Creek shaping the confluence (After)
Image below: Downstream of Waikare Creek (Before)
Image below: Downstream of Waikare Creek (After)
Image below: Large willow tree blocking river (Before)
Image below: Large willow tree blocking river (After) Tree has been removed to unblock the river flow and timber has been cut up for locals to use (saving removal costs off site)
