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Clearing the way for less flooding in Waitara

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PUBLISHED: 3 FEB 2026
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The next stage of NPDC’s innovative flood reduction project in Waitara gets underway this week.

Tangaroa Stream is being cleared of pest plants to transform it from a clogged, unclear channel to a stream that drains freely into the Waitara River. Last year, about 250m of stream was restored, and in stage two more than 400m will be cleared.

“Basically, we’re helping the stream to do what it originally did before urban development and weeds came along: drain the land of excess water during heavy rainfall rather than it building up on fields and private properties,” says NPDC Manager Three Waters Amy Quattlebaum.

NPDC is working with Otaraua Hapū on this project, which will also enhance the mana of this culturally important stream and provide a better habitat for birds, invertebrates and fish.

“Otaraua Hapū is proud to support this mahi as kaitiaki of Tangaroa Stream. Restoring the health and mana of this taonga is vital for our community and the wider environment,” says Kai Whakahaere Matua Donna Eriwata, from Otaraua Hapū .

“This project reflects our commitment to kaitiakitanga and working in partnership to protect and enhance the taiao. Our vision is that future generations will inherit a healthy, thriving waterway that sustains life and upholds the values of our hapū.”

This next phase includes clearance of pest plants as well as building a walking path and tidying up an adjacent green space.

The improvements will ensure Tangaroa Stream’s long-term management and good health, given its cultural importance to mana whenua.

“It’s a long-term view of working with the environment on stormwater management, which will benefit the community for generations to come,” says Amy.

This stage two works has a $1m budget.

At a glance:

  • The Tangaroa works are part of the wider $15.8m Waitara Stormwater Project: $14m from NPDC and $1.8m from the Ministry for the Environment’s Jobs for Nature Investment Package.
  • So far, $8m has been spent on Tangaroa improvements, including installing a new stormwater pipe on Richmond Street in 2023.
  • NPDC is investing $289m over 10 years to 2034 to fix the district’s plumbing.
  • Manukorihi Intermediate and Waitara High School, and Owae Marae have carried out some restoration work, completed by Manukorihi Hapū.
  • NPDC’s contribution to the project’s original $20m budget was reduced to $14m in the 2024-34 Long-Term Plan.
  • We collect, manage and dispose of stormwater run-off from around 6,600ha of urban area in the district.

Caption: One section of Tangaroa Stream where the culvert will be removed and the watercourse opened-up so that it flows freely and naturally in the environment.

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Page last updated: 09:08am Wed 04 February 2026

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