The Wairoa Flood Mitigation project continues to move forward, with several important milestones recently achieved that bring us closer to delivering improved flood protection for our community.

A preferred contractor, Goodmans, has now been appointed through an early contractor involvement process. This means the project team now has additional expertise on board to assist with finalising the technical design and preparing for construction. 

Crown Manager, Lawrence Yule, says the contractor appointment, combined with other recent achievements, demonstrates tangible progress is being made.
"We've seen positive momentum across multiple fronts in recent months. The appointment of our preferred contractor, the funding that has been secured, and the Order in Council amendment that has been approved are all significant steps forward," Mr Yule says.

Land access negotiations remain a key focus, with the project team continuing to work respectfully with directly impacted whānau and property owners.

In direct response to feedback from mana whenua, further refinement of the Option 1C+ alignment also continues, with ongoing work to narrow the floodway and minimise impacts on whānau, whenua and homes wherever possible. 

The Crown peer review process has now been initiated, with some engineering refinements highlighted which the team is working through in more detail, with the support of technical engineering and construction expertise.

"Though we still have more detailed design and peer review works to complete, we have identified a resource consenting pathway that will allow the project to progress efficiently,” says Mr Yule.

“Additionally, we continue to work toward the possibility of some construction activity during the current summer season, subject to achieving all necessary project approvals from the Crown.” 

At the heart of the project is a commitment to moving forward together, says Mr Yule. 

“This is about turning plans into action to protect the Wairoa community, and while much of the technical work happens behind the scenes, real progress is being made every day.
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“As always, we remain grateful for the ongoing engagement and patience of the community as we work toward a safer future for all.”

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Further progress for Wairoa flood mitigation as project targets year-end construction start

The Wairoa Flood Mitigation project has achieved several important milestones over recent weeks, with progress across land access negotiations, cultural assessments, and technical design work bringing the project closer to its year-end construction start target.
Two land access agreements with directly impacted property owners have now been completed, and a further two agreements are expected to be signed in the coming weeks. Positive progress is also being made across several other directly affected properties.
Crown Manager, Lawrence Yule, says the land access process remains one of the project’s primary focuses – a process that requires careful balance between community urgency and respectful engagement with directly impacted whānau.
"We understand that a large number of properties in North Clyde are waiting for this flood mitigation solution so they can rebuild their lives with confidence and certainty. At the same time, we know this is an incredibly difficult process for the whānau, home and landowners whose land may be directly impacted by what we're proposing," Mr Yule says.
"These conversations require time and care and cannot and should not be rushed. However, we also have an obligation to the wider Wairoa community who are waiting for this solution to rebuild their lives with confidence and certainty.
“That's why we're doing everything we can to maintain momentum and keep this project moving forward. We're currently working toward confirming the final spillway alignment and associated engineering considerations as well as being in a position to finalise all land access negotiations by mid-December, which would, in turn, enable construction activity to commence before year end."

Contractor involvement and cultural processes continue
The project has maintained momentum on technical workstreams that can progress in parallel with land access negotiations.
Following the release of the Request for Proposal for early contractor involvement (ECI) and final construction in early September, prequalified contractors completed comprehensive site visits and technical assessments throughout September as part of the ECI process.
This ECI process forms part of the broader project procurement strategy which includes a specific focus on utilising local contractors and supply chains from within the Wairoa District.
Three additional marae-led Cultural Impact Assessments are in their final stages of completion, led by mana whenua representatives of Takitimu Marae, Ruataniwha Marae, and Tawhiti a Maru Marae.
A comprehensive cultural hikoi and walkover was conducted by cultural advisor John Hovell in mid-September. In addition, further assessment of Takitimu Marae whenua, including the area surrounding Waihirere Urupā, is scheduled to be completed in the coming weeks.
"This comprehensive cultural assessment process ensures that Mātauranga Māori, cultural values and taonga are properly considered as the project progresses," Mr Yule says.

Positive outcome for some Frasertown Road properties
A number of properties on Frasertown Road have received confirmation from Hawke’s Bay Regional Council regarding their recategorisation from provisional Category 2C to Category 1, following recent further technical assessments which confirmed that flooding in the area came from the Awatere Stream / Paeroa Drainage Scheme, rather than the Wairoa River. 
"This is excellent news for those property owners who can now move forward with certainty in their recovery," Mr Yule says. 
"While we celebrate this positive outcome for these Frasertown Road families, it also reinforces why the broader Wairoa Flood Mitigation project is so vital. A large number of properties in North Clyde are still waiting for the comprehensive flood mitigation solution that will enable them to rebuild their lives with confidence."

Detailed design refinement advancing
Final refinements to the Option 1C+ alignment continue, including finalising the floodway alignment, width, and dig-down depth requirement. These refinements incorporate feedback from mana whenua, home and landowners, and are critical to securing the land access required for the project.
Detailed design of protection measures on the south side of the river near Mitchell Road, including stopbank heights, is also being finalised.
"We're taking a pragmatic, time and cost-effective approach by ensuring technical work that can progress does so, while we continue to work respectfully with those whose land is directly impacted," Mr Yule says.
"Our shared kaupapa remains finding the best possible technically viable solution that protects homes, businesses and marae, urupā and cultural taonga, while minimising impacts on whānau, their land and homes.
"There's a huge amount happening behind the scenes, even if it's not always visible publicly. We're committed to keeping the community informed as we move toward construction, and we deeply appreciate the patience and engagement shown by everyone involved in this process."

​For more information about the Wairoa Flood Mitigation Project, visit www.wairoafloodproject.co.nz

ENDS

Cabinet decision brings Wairoa flood mitigation closer to construction

The Wairoa Flood Mitigation project has reached another significant milestone with Cabinet’s approval of the proposed Order in Council amendment, bringing the community one step closer to the flood mitigation they urgently need.

The Cabinet decision approves the legislative amendment sought by Hawke’s Bay Regional Council (HBRC) to update the Hawke’s Bay Flood Protection Works Order 2024, enabling the streamlined consenting process to cover the full scope of the proposed Option 1C+ flood mitigation solution.

Crown Manager, Lawrence Yule, says the decision demonstrates continued Government commitment to delivering flood mitigation for Wairoa.

“This Cabinet approval is a critical step that removes a key barrier to construction and keeps us on track to begin enabling works in late 2025,” Mr Yule says.

“With the summer construction season fast approaching, this decision helps to maintain critical momentum at a time when every month matters for the people of Wairoa who continue to live with uncertainty and risk.”

The approval comes as land access negotiations continue to make steady progress, with agreements now completed for one property and in the final stages of completion for two more – a significant milestone that enables those homeowners to move forward after more than two years of uncertainty following Cyclone Gabrielle and the June 2024 flooding.

“Each land access agreement completed represents more than just a legal milestone – it's about giving whānau the certainty they need to rebuild their lives," Mr Yule says.

"Property valuations and negotiation discussions are actively underway with several other properties, and we remain committed to working closely with every impacted whānau to try and find solutions that enable them to move forward."

The project procurement strategy, with a targeted focus on the use of local contractors and supply chains from within the Wairoa District, is also advancing, with the Request for Proposal (RFP) for the design and preconstruction phase expected to be released to prequalified contractors toward the end of August.

Hawke's Bay Regional Council Chair, Hinewai Ormsby, says the Cabinet decision validates the extensive work undertaken to refine the flood mitigation solution and the collaborative approach taken with the community.

"Option 1C+ was developed specifically in response to community feedback to minimise impacts on homes and whenua Māori while maintaining the technical integrity needed to protect lives and properties," Mrs Ormsby says.

“This approval enables us to move toward construction of a flood mitigation solution that will protect 627 properties, moving them from Category 2C to Category 1, while respecting the cultural values and whenua of the Wairoa community.”

Cultural responsiveness remains at the heart of this much needed community mahi, with additional Cultural Impact Assessment activity nearing completion and expected to be finalised in the first week of September, says Mr Yule.

“We recognise mātauranga Māori exists in many places and forms and remain very open to receiving further cultural input. We appreciate the way mana whenua, including the Trustees and representatives of Takitimu Marae, Ruataniwha Marae and Tawhiti A Maru Marae, continue to engage with us, sharing their perspectives, cultural knowledge and mātauranga Māori.

“This input is critical to ensuring any flood mitigation solution properly respects and protects the cultural values and taonga of Te Wairoa.”

With the legislative pathway now clear and land access negotiations progressing, the project team is advancing detailed design work and construction planning to enable work to begin as soon as late 2025.

Wairoa Mayor, Craig Little, acknowledged the work of Crown Manager, Lawrence Yule.

“This has been a tough time for everyone, and our community remains appreciative of the massive input of Lawrence and his team in achieving another milestone.

“As local Wairoa people, we all know that our town cannot move ahead unless we have flood mitigation in place. We are fortunate to have built strong relationships with Central Government, which recognises our needs and has supported us with the $70 million ring-fenced funding and the legislative requirements needed to secure this project.

“Again, thank you to everyone who has been involved. I really hope we are able to have shovels in the ground and work underway by the end of this year so our community can move forward and live without rain anxiety.”  

ENDS

Flood mitigation makes progress, one year one from June flood event

​One year on from the June 2024 flood event, the progress of the Wairoa Flood Mitigation project remains a testament to the resilience and collective commitment to working towards safeguarding the future of the Wairoa township.
With more than 150 properties still yellow-stickered, the first anniversary of the June event serves as a poignant reminder of why flood mitigation remains so critical for Wairoa’s future, says Crown Manager, Lawrence Yule.

“As we reflect on the impacts of the June 2024 flooding event, it’s important to recognise the ongoing challenges and uncertainty faced by those still recovering from both last June and Cyclone Gabrielle.

“We must also look to the future and acknowledge the significant progress over the past twelve months as we work to advance much-needed flood mitigation solutions, both for North Clyde and the Wairoa River bar.”

The approval of the Project Delivery Plan (PDP) and confirmation of the release of the $70 million in Crown funding was a significant milestone, Mr Yule says.

“Since then, we have continued to engage with those home and landowners directly impacted by the proposed flood mitigation solution, including those on the southern side of the Wairoa River where small stopbanks will be constructed to provide further protection.

“Land access negotiations for one property have already been completed in full, and independent property valuations have been completed on several other properties. These are important steps as we continue to work with those directly impacted to try and find a solution that enables them to move forward with certainty.”

Provided land access and resource consents can be secured, Mr Yule says flood mitigation construction could begin as soon as late 2025.

"The people of Wairoa have shown remarkable resilience and patience throughout this process. The legislative amendments recently requested from Government will help streamline the consenting process and move us closer to construction," Mr Yule says.

“We recognise that for many whānau, this anniversary brings back difficult memories and emotions. Our commitment remains unwavering – to work together to deliver the best possible technically viable flood mitigation solution that protects lives, homes, and businesses while minimising impacts on our community.

“This project is about more than just flood mitigation – it’s about ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the Wairoa community for generations to come.”

ENDS

Community feedback sought as flood mitigation makes progress
The community is being asked to provide feedback on a proposed legislative amendment that would enable a streamlined consenting process – established to speed up flood mitigation works – to be used to deliver much-needed flood mitigation to Wairoa.
 
The Hawke’s Bay Flood Protection Works Order 2024 covers eight locations across Hawke’s Bay, including Wairoa, and sets out a streamlined resource consent process for flood mitigation works to help enable Councils to move Category 2C properties to Category 1. 

Whilst much of North Clyde is already covered under the existing Order, Hawke’s Bay Regional Council has asked the Government to update the map and description for Wairoa to reflect the proposed Option 1C+.  

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council Chair, Hinewai Ormsby, says the amendment will help to speed up the construction of the proposed flood mitigation solution.
“With the land access negotiations now well underway, it’s important to look ahead to the next steps in the project.

“Provided land access can be secured, our request to the Government is important to get confirmed so we can start construction as planned in late 2025. It’s also an important step for our Wairoa community who have been incredibly patient as we work through these matters.”

Crown Manager, Lawrence Yule, says the project continues to make good progress in other areas following last month’s confirmation of the Crown’s $70 million of funding.

“With the Project Delivery Plan (PDP) approved and funding confirmed, the project’s focus remains on securing the land access required to deliver flood mitigation for Wairoa.

“Negotiations have already been completed for one property, which is a fantastic outcome not just for the project but for the homeowners, who have finally been able to move forward with their lives more than two years after Cyclone Gabrielle. 
“Property valuations are currently being completed on several other properties, and we continue to engage directly with impacted home and landowners to try and find a solution that enables them to move forward with certainty.”

Mr Yule says additional cultural assessment activity is planned, to complement the Cultural Impact Assessment (CIA) previously completed in late January.

“We recognise mātauranga Māori exists in many places and forms and remain very open to receiving further cultural input. We appreciate the way mana whenua, including marae representatives, continue to engage with us and thank those who have provided valuable input into this process.” 
ENDS
 
Have your say
The Ministry for the Environment will be accepting feedback on the proposed amendment until 5pm on Friday, 30 May 2025. More information is available online: environment.govt.nz/acts-and-regulations/orders-in-council/proposal-to-amend-order-in-council-for-hawkes-bay-flood-protection-works.
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For more information, contact:
Hannah Heberley 
[email protected] or 021 272 8021

For more information on the proposed amendment, contact:
[email protected]

Monday, 28 April 2025 MEDIA RELEASE - Click here to read full story
Wairoa’s $70 million of Crown funding released 
Wairoa’s much-needed flood mitigation solution is one step closer, with the full $70 million of Crown funding ring-fenced for Wairoa released following joint Ministerial approval of the Project Delivery Plan (PDP). 

​You are invited to our Community Wānanga, at Takitimu Marae – Wharekai, 
Tuesday, 18 March, 5pm.
 
Since our last hui, the Wairoa Flood Mitigation team has been working to refine the preferred Option 1C. This hui is an opportunity for us to provide an update on that refinement process.