The first stage of Project Future Proof, a multi-stage project to improve the flood protection infrastructure in the Whakatāne CBD, is now complete.

This milestone moment is being celebrated this morning by project leads Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council, alongside partners Whakatāne District Council and Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa, with a karakia led by hapū representatives

Stage One of the project covers the floodwalls and stopbanks from the McAlister Pump Station to the Whakatāne iSite (which has temporarily relocated while the first two stages are underway). In areas where there are stopbanks, the width and height has been increased, and previous floodwalls have been replaced.

Construction of Stage One included:

· Reconstructing 480m of stopbanks

· Installing 370 sheetpiles

· Pouring more than 610 cubic metres of concrete

As part of the upgrade, access to the Warren Cole Walkway from the shopping area across the road has been improved and the walkway has been widened, making it easier for users to share the path.

Regional council engineering manager Mark Townsend extends his thanks to the Whakatāne community for the support they have shown this project.

“We know construction can be disruptive, so we are incredibly grateful to the community for their patience as we’ve worked to improve the flood defences in the CBD.

“With construction on Stage One now complete, we hope everyone can enjoy the new shared use footpath over the summer period.”

While construction on the flood defences is complete, there are still some final details to be installed including lighting, balustrades and artwork on the concrete panels. If you are in the area, please take care while these things are completed.

Stage One of Project Future Proof was budgeted at $5.9 million and constructed over two financial years – July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2025. This stage received $4m from Central Government’s Climate Resilience Fund.

Flood protection is the first line of defence when it comes to reducing the risk of significant flood events to people, property and livelihoods. This is one of several projects the regional council has underway across the rohe to manage, maintain and improve the region’s flood protection network (worth more than $400m).