It’s been more than a century since flood protection work began around the Awanui River. The flood of 1958, which flowed through urban Kaitāia, prompted a comprehensive upgrade to the scheme. Stopbanks were constructed around Kaitāia and the Whangatane Spillway was enlarged. Flood protection infrastructure date back more than a century, with improvements and upgrades still happening. Following public consultation on the NRC Long Term Plan for 2018-2028, a major programme of repairs and upgrades for the Awanui flood scheme commenced.
The $15.5 million, eight-year project has been designed to boost flood protection significantly in and around Kaitāia. Along with significant repairs, the scheme will be upgraded to handle bigger floods, enabling it to protect urban Kaitāia.
Securing these works was a significant milestone for FNR. It was the first major contract we have executed with Northland Regional Council. FNR were awarded the Northern Floodworks and Matthews Park & Switzer Bench portions of work which spans over 5.2 kms of the Awanui River bank.
Our scope included
- 570,000m3 of earthworks
- 15 floodgates and drainage
- 8000m2 of Rock protection including rock protection of two bridges – The Quarry Rd bridge and Waikuruki Bridge on North Road
- Culvert road crossings and the elevation of Godanovich Road in Awanui to function as a flood barrier
Our team worked consciously in close proximity to tidal rivers whilst adhering to the NRC Resource Consent. A significant portion of these works were accessed through private land. We had a collaborative approach with NRC and stakeholders to ensure we maintained a small footprint through productive farmland to minimise impact on farming operations.
