River control & flood protection

This leaflet summarises the Waitara, The Valley in New Plymouth, Ōkato, Opunake and Waitōtara flood control schemes, what they’re designed to withstand, and what flood risks may remain.

• Taranaki flood schemes summary leaflet (482 KB pdf)

The Waitara scheme has been upgraded to 'one in 100-year' standard to protect low-lying parts of the township on both the left and right banks of the river.

• Lower Waitara River Flood Control Scheme Asset Management Plan (1.5 MB pdf)

This scheme had a major upgrade in 2013 to give 'one in 100-year' flood protection to land in 'The Valley' industrial and commercial area on the northern outskirts of New Plymouth.

• Lower Waiwhakaiho Flood Control Scheme Asset Management Plan (1.2 MB pdf)

The Ōkato scheme has a number of components to manage the alignment of the Stony River, control flooding from the Stony River into the Kaihihi Stream, and limit flooding of the Ōkato swimming pool.

• Ōkato Scheme Asset Management Plan (1.2 MB pdf)

This scheme provides protection to Ōpunake township from floods originating in the Hihiwera Stream catchment.

• Ōpunake Flood Control Scheme Asset Management Plan (1.2 MB pdf)

This scheme focuses on maintaining a clear main channel in the lower reaches of the Waitōtara stream and at other problem areas, and maintaining the alignment of the main channel in key areas.

• Waitōtara Scheme Management Plan (1.9 MB pdf)