The scope of the Palmerston North flood protection resilience project work includes upgrades to flood defences (primarily stopbanks) and the replacement of a number of aging assets, along with new work which will include additional amenities, such as pathways and signage, and enhancing public access to the Manawatū River and Mangaone Stream.
One of the key enhancement projects Horizons is working on, in consultation with Rangitāne and Palmerston North City Council, is upgrading the area around the northern end of the Manawatū River bridle path. Plans include changing the current shady and often damp area to a river access path with bright open spaces, riparian planting, artwork and signage identifying the significance of the site. This work began in July 2021, with removal of some of the poplar trees currently shading the site.
Along the Mangaone Stream several pieces of ageing infrastructure are also being upgraded – from below Flyers Line to the confluence of the Manawatū River. Work will include realigning a section of the Mangaone Stream stopbank near Pioneer Highway.
