Kaipara communities are set to benefit from two major flood planning projects after the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) approved nearly $100,000 in funding through its Resilience Fund.
The funding includes $55,500 awarded to Kaipara District Council to continue the Kaipara Land Drainage Strategic Review and $43,475 awarded to the Dargaville Community Development Board and Kaipara District Council towards flood modelling the Awakino River.
Kaipara District Council Mayor, Jonathan Larsen said he funding will help progress work already underway to support future flood protection planning and investment.
“Local people bring valuable knowledge and experience, and these projects will help make sure that future decisions about flood protection and resilience are shaped by both community input and good information,” said the Mayor.
“By working together, we can better plan for the challenges ahead and help our communities stay strong and resilient.”
The Awakino River Flood Modelling project was developed by the Council and Dargaville Community Development Board following severe flooding in the lower Awakino River area during Cyclone Gabrielle. The targeted modelling work will integrate with Northland Regional Council’s wider flood modelling project for Dargaville.
The project is set to improve understanding of how future flood events could affect homes, businesses and critical infrastructure, while helping identify options for future flood protection and investment.
The Kaipara Land Drainage Strategic Review focuses on the Northern Wairoa Agricultural Delta, home to the second largest area in New Zealand protected by land drainage schemes.
The funding supports the next phase of the review, to work with 31 land drainage committees and local landowners to explore future governance, funding and investment options, helping communities better plan how the network can meet the challenges of a volatile climate.
NEMA’s Director of Civil Defence Emergency Management, John Price says the selected projects reflect the challenges that Aotearoa New Zealand is facing.
“Every year, it seems like severe weather events are more frequent and hit harder than they ever have before. Some communities are getting hammered year after year, and it’s crucial that NEMA’s Resilience Fund supports their efforts,” Mr Price says.
“This year, NEMA was delighted to receive proposals that build resilience in so many ways, and it was clear that severe weather was a focus for many applicants.
“From planning tools for disabled people, frameworks to tackle post-emergency rises in family violence, business resilience and land drainage networks, these projects showcase once again the knowledge, skills and innovative drive of our communities.
“We’re also delighted to be funding several iwi/Māori initiatives, including efforts to build Māori capability in emergency management.”
