Extreme weather events in December 2011 and April 2013 caused significant flooding to both commercial and residential properties in Saxton, Nelson. The 2015-2025 Long Term Plan identified the need for large-scale work to minimise the chance of this occurring again.
The Saxton Creek project began in 2015. Due to the extent of the works required and budget constraints, the project was divided into stages. In 2022 the project was significantly accelerated by a $7.5m investment from Kānoa - Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit, enabling the fast-tracking of the Stage 4 work to upgrade Saxton Creek’s channel flood protection capacity and the capacity of the culverts between Main Road Stoke and Whakatu Drive.
The works offer protection to Main Road Stoke (a main access road) and the large commercial and industrial properties in Wakatu Industrial Estate. Flooding from the 2013 event alone caused economic loss of over $1.5m, taking out 30m of security fencing along Main Road Stoke and causing significant damage to multiple businesses in the estate. Main Road Stoke and State Highway 6 (Whakatu Drive) are also key lifeline connection roads in the area and need to be accessible during major weather events.
The flood protection works will ensure industries critical to the region’s economy can operate, including a major meat processing facility, large truck specialist, technical education centre, numerous building trade companies and storage facilities. The overall Saxton Creek Upgrade has enabled the development of land alongside the Saxton Creek upstream of Main Road Stoke which has provided a significant new residential area for the city and improved the amenity of the stream.
Watch the Stage 4 video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tyqqpY_J2I
