Flood resilience funding boost for Bay of Plenty

The Government has approved funding for four Bay of Plenty flood resilience projects that will help protect more than 5,000 houses and around 20,000 hectares of land, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones confirmed today.

Funding from the Government’s Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) will contribute $9.12 million towards priority projects in the region, which will protect more than $5 billion of capital value during severe weather. Bay of Plenty Regional Council is co-funding up to $6.08m towards the projects.

“With eight major rivers throughout the region and a warm, wet climate, we know that Bay of Plenty is not immune to the perils of extreme weather events,” Mr Jones says.

“This funding will go towards strengthening and raising stopbanks, installing erosion-resistant materials such as rock and sheet piling, replacing or upgrading culverts and floodgates, and improving drainage and seepage management across the Whakatāne River, Ohineangaanga Stream, Rangitāiki-Tarawera Rivers scheme, and the Ōpōtiki township.

“The four projects will contribute to the protection of a mix of residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, and municipal assets, including roads, rail, bridges, schools, and energy infrastructure.

“With funding now secured, the Council can progress the projects in time for the summer construction season, improving flood resilience ahead of wetter winter months,” Mr Jones says.

Today’s funding is part of a $96.8m government package to co-fund 32 flood resilience projects across New Zealand, helping to protect more than 30,000 homes, 350,000 hectares of land, and 100,000 New Zealanders who live in these areas.

Further information about the second tranche of flood resilience RIF projects can be found at www.growregions.govt.nz.

Bay of Plenty flood resilience projects information: