Thames Valley diversion channel planting and maintenance programme

Funded: $1.08m
Total cost: $1.8m
Project starts: 2024/25
Project ends: 2026/27

The project includes fencing, drain shaping and planting of drainage channels to address the significant bank erosion and slumping of drains that happened following the 2022/23 floods and heavy rainfall, which resulted in increased vulnerability for the rural communities of Te Aroha, Paeroa, Morrinsville and Matamata. This work will ensure the effective operation of the land drainage network to clear surface water, thereby reducing damage to pasture and crops and reducing overall sediment release into the Piako and Waihou river systems, and ultimately improve the performance of the flood protection scheme. The other benefits of this work will be reduced maintenance requirements and enhanced instream and riparian ecological values.