Te Karaka flood resilience project partnership invites community input

The cleanup in Te Karaka shortly after Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023. Residents now have a chance to have their say on the future of flood resilience in the area. Photo / Gisborne Herald file

Gisborne District Council and Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki are inviting community feedback on two options designed to improve flood protection of the Te Karaka township after the devastation caused by Cyclone Gabrielle.

The Te Karaka Flood Resilience Improvement Project is supported by $13.2 million in Government funding and focuses on reducing flood risk within the Te Karaka township through upgrades to its stopbank system.

GDC said the project was developed in partnership with Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki iwi and community representatives, which ensured local knowledge and values were woven into the design of the proposed solutions.

“Cyclone Gabrielle had a severe impact on the Te Karaka township and surrounding area, causing widespread flooding, major damage to homes and infrastructure, and tragically the loss of life,” council regional river manager Joss Ruifrok said.

He said the partnership had identified two preferred options that aim to better protect the township from flood events significantly larger than Cyclone Gabrielle in the future.

Pimia Wehi and Dave Pikia, on behalf of Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki, were pleased to have reached this milestone.

“Our community has been through a lot,” they said.

“Our focus has always been on keeping whānau safe and ensuring Te Karaka has a stronger, more resilient future. We’ve partnered with council to ensure the options being considered reflect the values, experiences and needs of our community.

“We’re proud to be part of this journey and encourage everyone to be involved in shaping what comes next.”

The two proposed options both involve “retreating” the stopbank to move it closer to the township.

This would reduce the protected area and provide more space for the river during flood events.

Under both options, stopbank heights would increase by about 2.5 m upstream and 2m downstream, but the area covered by the stopbank varies between the options.

The options were selected from several possibilities and developed through detailed flood modelling, engineering analysis and co-design with Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki and engagement with the community steering group since August 2024.

Ruifrok said any solution that altered where floodwater was diverted created impacts for other areas.

The options provide a solution for improved flood protection for most of the township. However, some properties previously protected may experience deeper flooding or be excluded from the defended area.

“We know this is a significant proposal and some members of the community may be more affected than others,” Ruifrok said.

“Council is committed to working directly with affected landowners and occupiers, with support options including compensation, voluntary property purchase, or other tailored solutions.

Council and Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki are keen to discuss the options with landowners and the wider community and hear their feedback, concerns and views on the option that is best for the township.

A community hui is being held on Sunday, June 29, from 1pm to 3pm at the Māhaki Tiaki Tangata site, 69 Kanakanaia Rd, Te Karaka.

More details about the two proposed options and the option for members of the public to provide formal feedback are available on the GDC website.

This flood protection scheme does not cover protection for productive farmland or low-density residential areas outside Te Karaka, which are addressed through separate measures, such as the Future of Severely Affected Land framework.