Wairarapa’s Flood Protection Gets Major Boost with RIF-Funded Projects

The RIF operates by directly granting funds to local councils, enabling them to expedite urgent infrastructure improvements.

Wairarapa’s capacity to withstand future flooding events has been significantly enhanced following the completion of five key flood resilience projects, funded through the government’s Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF). Regional Development Minister Shane Jones marked the milestone at a special event hosted by the Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC) at Fullers Bend on the Waiōhine River, where he also observed ongoing progress on 11 more infrastructure projects in the region.

Delivering on Flood Resilience Commitments

The five completed initiatives are part of a broader government strategy to bolster regional flood defenses under the RIF, which allocated $101.1 million nationwide to support 42 priority flood protection projects across 11 regions. Of this total, up to $16.1 million was directed to projects in the Kāpiti and Wairarapa regions, administered through GWRC.

The Wairarapa-specific projects that are now complete include:

• Pukio East Stopbank Upgrade in South Wairarapa

• Two Waipoua River Protection Projects – Waipoua SH2 Left Bank Protection and Waipoua Industrial Site Edge Protection at Akura Road

• River Road Flood Protection Upgrades (Stages 2 and 3) on the Ruamāhanga River

“These projects reflect our commitment to not just promise investment in resilience infrastructure but to deliver it promptly and effectively,” said Minister Jones. “This is about safeguarding lives, livelihoods, and critical infrastructure while also creating local jobs and strengthening regional economies.”

Broader Economic and Environmental Impact

Minister Jones emphasized the multifaceted benefits of flood resilience investments: “Beyond immediate flood protection, these works secure critical Crown assets such as roads, railways, hospitals, and schools. They also help reduce long-term costs associated with emergency services and disaster recovery, while enhancing community confidence and future investment potential.”

The Minister also used the opportunity to co-host a regional growth summit in Carterton for the Kāpiti and Wairarapa districts, bringing together local stakeholders to discuss economic development, infrastructure priorities, and applications for future RIF funding.

“Today’s summit provided an excellent platform for collaboration and planning. We’re eager to support projects that are shovel-ready and aligned with regional growth ambitions,” he added.

Overview of Funded Projects

The RIF operates by directly granting funds to local councils, enabling them to expedite urgent infrastructure improvements. The full slate of flood protection projects in the Wairarapa region includes both completed and in-progress developments:

Completed Wairarapa Projects:

• River Road Masterton Flood Protection Upgrade – Stage 2: $1.48 million

• River Road Masterton Flood Protection Upgrade – Stage 3: $2.11 million

• Waipoua SH2 Left Bank Protection Upgrade: $80,000

• Waipoua Industrial Site – Akura Road Edge Protection: $880,000

• Pukio East Stopbank Upgrade: $540,000

Ongoing Projects in Wairarapa:

• Fullers Bend Protection: $1.39 million

• Awaroa Floodway Spillover Sill: $530,000

• Tawaha Floodway Spillover Sill: $1.02 million

• Flood Gates - Fish Passage Upgrades: $220,000

• Masterton Water Supply Protection Project: $570,000

• Hood Aerodrome Waingawa River Protection: $950,000

• South Masterton Stopbank Upgrade: $520,000

• Homebush Wastewater Treatment Plant Resilience Works: $270,000

• Upper Ruamāhanga Buffer Establishment: $2.16 million

• Whakawhiriwhiri Stream - Project Rescope: $860,000

In Kāpiti, the Otaki Cliffs River Bank Protection project received $2.5 million, signaling further regional investment in high-priority flood infrastructure.

A Future-Focused Strategy

The Greater Wellington Regional Council has been instrumental in delivering these projects efficiently, ensuring that the funding translates into tangible safety benefits for residents. As New Zealand faces increasing climate-related challenges, investments like these become ever more critical.

With more projects underway and future RIF applications anticipated following the Carterton summit, Wairarapa is well-positioned to continue its momentum toward becoming a model of regional resilience and sustainable development.