We have welcomed a significant $21.5M co-funding investment from the Government to accelerate Waitaha Canterbury’s flood resilience efforts.

The announcement, made by Minister Shane Jones today, will see nine priority projects identified in our 30-year infrastructure programme accelerated, with new co-funding drawn from the second tranche of the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF).

These include critical stopbank and floodgate upgrades, rock work, gravel extraction, vegetation clearance, berm strengthening and telemetry upgrades to rivers across the region.

Council’s commitment to flood resilience co-investment

“On behalf of our incoming Council, I thank central government for its staunch commitment to this important work. Flooding is New Zealand’s number one natural hazard, with a major event occurring on average every eight months, and regional government cannot address it alone,” said Chief Executive Dr Stefanie Rixecker.

“I recognise the tireless advocacy from Canterbury councillors in the last triennium who made flood resilience co-investment a national priority. I also tautoko the work of Te Uru Kahika in this space. This significant co-investment reinforces the important role of regional government and speaks to the strength of regional voice.

“I expect our incoming Councillors will have more to say on this investment once they are sworn in on 29 October 2025,” Dr Rixecker added.

Acceleration of key projects across the region

The funding is part of a national flood resilience programme – a collaborative co-investment between regional and unitary councils and Kānoa – Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit. It will complement the council’s own investment in flood resilience projects approved through the 30 Year Infrastructure Strategy.

Dr Rixecker reinforced that the benefits of these projects extend far beyond immediate flood protection. “This investment will save lives, safeguard critical lifeline infrastructure such as roads, bridges, railways, hospitals, and schools, while also protecting culturally significant sites, farmland and local businesses.”

In Waitaha Canterbury, projects that will benefit from this co-investment are:

• Flood Warning infrastructure upgrades
• Structure Upgrades/Adaptation Programme
• Kaikoura flood resilience infrastructure upgrades
• Ashley/Rakahuri flood resilience infrastructure upgrades
• Waimakariri flood resilience infrastructure upgrades
• Ashburton/Hakatere flood resilience infrastructure upgrades
• Orari flood resilience infrastructure upgrades
• Opihi flood resilience infrastructure upgrades
• Pareora flood resilience infrastructure upgrades

The funding boost will also support a new national project that will improve infrastructure management and strengthen flood warnings across all councils. “It’s great to see central government co-investing in this important work. Working together to boost our flood resilience is something councils do well, and this support will help us go even further faster.” said Dr Rixecker.

This funding complements earlier central government support for flood management measures that the region received as part of Budget 2024.

Find out more:  Check out our flood protection investment page to learn more.