Gisborne’s flood protection strengthened
Gisborne’s flood protection has been strengthened with the completion of the Waipaoa Flood Control Scheme, reducing flood risks for 10,000ha of land and 6,000 residents.
The Waipaoa Flood Control Scheme is now complete, providing enhanced flood protection for Gisborne City and 10,000 hectares of productive land in Tairāwhiti. Approximately 64 kilometres of stopbanks along the Waipaoa River have been widened and raised since 2019, designed to withstand a one-in-100-year flood event. In critical areas, stopbanks have been expanded to up to 4 metres wide and raised by 2 metres to safeguard communities and agricultural land.
The project’s urgency was underscored by Cyclone Gabrielle, which highlighted the need for upgraded flood defences. Even before completion, upgraded sections of the scheme already protected around 7,000 hectares of residential and horticultural land. Regional Development Minister Shane Jones attended an event at Waipaoa River today to mark the scheme’s official completion.
Crown funding contributed $7.5 million through the COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund in 2020 and an additional $18.4 million via the Cyclone Recovery Programme in 2023. These investments accelerated Gisborne District Council’s work, advancing the project’s completion by four years. The total cost of the scheme reached $35.1 million, with Gisborne District Council co-funding $9.2 million.
The completed scheme strengthens regional resilience by protecting homes, transport links, public infrastructure, and key agricultural sectors that support the Tairāwhiti economy. The project’s completion ensures long-term flood protection for decades, addressing vulnerabilities exposed by recent extreme weather events.