The low-lying historic river plains of the Tūtaekurī, Ngaruroro, Clive and Lower Tukituki Rivers is where The Heretaunga Plains Flood Control Scheme (HPFCS) provides protection from flooding to most of Hastings, Flaxmere, Havelock North and Napier urban areas. This covers approximately 39,000 hectares with a population of approximately 138,000 people living within the scheme boundary, which is about 82% of the Hawke’s Bay population.
This project aims to increase climate resilience of HPFCS by raising the level of protection (Level of Service or LoS) against flooding of rivers from a current 1% (1 in 100 year flood event) Annual Exceedance Probability (AEP) to a 0.2% (1 in 500 year flood event) AEP and frequent smaller events.
Key sites across the HPFCS have been identified for a 1 in 500 year flood event and based on this assessment, physical works will include one or a combination of erosion protection measures such as widening or raising stop banks, introducing groynes, sheet piling, riprap protection, strategic planting, etc.
In addition to erosion protection works, areas are being identified for ecological enhancement that will support and protect indigenous biodiversity and contribute to climate change resilience across the Heretaunga Plains.
An important component to HBRC’s funding agreement with Kānoa – Regional Economic Development & Investment Unitis that we emphasise supplier diversity and engage with locally owned businesses. HBRC are working with a variety of local design consultants and are also in talks with local, Māori and Pasifika owned businesses to deliver construction, design, and planting packages.
Estimated project completion November 2023.
