Te Kaupapa Tiaki Āpōpō: Te mahi whakapai ake i ngā ārai waipuke i te CBD
Project Future Proof is a multi-stage project, led by Bay of Plenty Regional Council, to upgrade flood defences (stopbanks and floodwalls) along the Whakatāne CBD stretches of the river (Ōhinemataroa).
Why is this happening?
The floodwall and stopbanks are critical for safeguarding people, property and livelihoods. Over time, seepage issues have been identified in some areas. Seepage is when water passes through a stopbank when the river level is high. While controlled seepage is good for relieving pressure within the stopbanks, excessive, uncontrolled seepage can lead to stopbanks collapsing. While Regional Council is doing the seepage control work, they will also be raising the height of the floodwalls. This height increase is based on increased flows in the awa (due to climate change and predictions for sea level rise).
The project will:
- Control seepage within stopbanks to prevent collapse.
- Raise the height of floodwalls to meet future flood protection standards.
- Upgrade flood defences in other areas as part of a staged approach.
What’s the vision?
While the primary goal is flood protection, we know the riverfront is a special place for our community. Bay of Plenty Regional Council will focus on upgrades to flood defences, ensuring the waterfront functions well during increased heavy weather events. Whakatāne District Council will work to minimise the visual and accessibility impacts of the floodwall. The goal is to create quality public spaces that are welcoming, inclusive and reinforce community connection to the awa. We will also work closely with iwi and hapu to weave cultural narratives into designs for the area. We anticipate engaging with the community early in 2026 on what designs could look like for the area from the former Whakatāne isite to the Whakatāne Sportsfishing Club.
Project stages
- Stage One (Whakatāne Skate Park to the former Whakatāne isite building) is complete.
- Stage Two is also complete, except for the footbridge planned for the Wairere Stream, which is scheduled for installation in mid-2026.
- Stage Three is due to start in early 2026 and will continue the upgrade of flood defences and integration of riverfront improvements.