An Environment Court hearing held this month has brought Bay of Plenty Regional Council one step closer to delivering a healthier Maketū Estuary.
After rigorous community consultation the council has identified a preferred option for re-diverting 20 per cent of the Kaituna River's freshwater flows back into the estuary.
Council'sKaituna Catchments Manager Pim de Monchy said the required resource consents and land designations had been approved and they expected to receive the Environment Court decision on cultural impact provisions next month.
"In the meantime we're finalising detailed designs and we're on track to start phase one construction works this summer."
Mr de Monchy said that Regional Council considered 18 different methods and options for re-diverting the Kaituna River and creating new wetlands before making a final decision.
"All the options were considered and assessed by a range of engineering, hydrology, ecology, and planning experts, alongside feedback from iwi and the community."
Visual of Maketu Estuary. Photo/File
"The option we've chosen offers the greatest chance of success in achieving the goal of returning as much Kaituna River water to Ongatoro/Maketū Estuary as possible, and maximising the ecological and cultural benefits,particularly wetlands and kaimoana, while keeping Te Tumu cut open for boating access and flood management," he said.
Further information and updates on the Kaituna River Re-diversion and Ongatoro Maketū Estuary Enhancement project are available at www.boprc.govt.nz/kaitunamaketurediversion
