New flood resilience projects to make communities safer and provide jobs

Regional and unitary councils are once again partnering with central government to build on the proven success of other co-funded flood resilience projects with the announcement of a new ~$97 million investment package to reduce the risk to 30,000 homes and 350,000ha of land.

Announced today on the bank of Te Awa Kairangi / Hutt River by Minister for Regional Development Shane Jones alongside LGNZ Regional Sector Chair Daran Ponter, this package reflects the Government’s shared commitment to making flood-prone communities safer.

The Regional Government Partnership–Te Uru Kahika welcomes the co-investment, which is a vital step in addressing the increasing risks posed by extreme weather events and adapting to a changing climate.

Speaking on behalf of Te Uru Kahika at the announcement, Mr Ponter said, “As we push on with building flood resilience, we’re creating meaningful employment and supporting economic growth in the regions.

“The 32 initiatives announced today will be co-funded by councils and the crown through the Regional Infrastructure Fund. This continues the momentum of the 42 ‘Before the Deluge’ projects that received investment through the fund in 2024 and are being delivered as we speak.

“The central government investment package will accelerate the delivery of more critical works and recognises our shared responsibility for the wellbeing of our people and places.

“Regional and unitary councils are best placed to deliver these projects at a catchment scale, and the works contribute to national GDP growth, resilience, and employment objectives.

“While there are no guarantees when it comes to the forces of nature, we will significantly reduce the risk of flooding through this infrastructure, and it will help give businesses and households the confidence to invest in their futures,” said Mr Ponter

This announcement comes as the initial 42 Tranche 1 projects are well-progressed, with over 40% completed ahead of schedule as of July 2025, and the remainder on track to be finished on time and on budget.

Michael McCartney, Sponsor of Te Uru Kahika River Managers and Horizons Regional Council Chief Executive, said the investment recognises the value of proactive flood management.

“We have seen the value of flood management infrastructure time and time again; exemplified by the Taradale stopbank project completed in advance of Cyclone Gabrielle that saved 10,000 properties and this year with the Motueka township in Tasman spared from flooding because of recent works.

“Councils are looking forward to delivering these new initiatives and continuing the conversation with central Government about long-term co-investment to prepare New Zealand for the future,” said Mr McCartney.

Regional and unitary councils are committed to building a safer, more resilient Aotearoa. This includes physical flood infrastructure as well as broader climate adaptation measures like improved spatial planning, emergency management, and nature-based solutions.