Goal of this project:
To significantly increase the volume of water (particularly fresh water) flowing from the Kaituna River into Te Awa o Ngatoroirangi/Maketu Estuary, in a way that maximises the ecological and cultural benefits (particularly wetlands and kaimoana) while limiting the economic cost and adverse environmental effects to acceptable levels.
The proposed re-diversion will maximise the flow into the estuary while keeping Te Tumu cut open for flood protection and boating access.
The re-diversion will significantly change the existing landscape, particularly to low-lying land north of Ford’s Cut. It will also re-create at least 20 hectares of wetland habitat, partially restoring the landscape to what it looked like before 1956.
See the Project Background page for further information about the rationale and preparatory work behind this project. Base funding for the project was budgeted for in the Bay of Plenty Regional Council 2015-25 Long Term Plan which was adopted on 25 June 2015.
What’s happening at the moment?
All of the resource consents and conditions for the project were finalised in an Environment Court decision issued in May 2016. All of the land acquisitions and detailed designs for the project have now been completed. See a map of publicly owned land around the estuary.
On 29 March 2018, Regional Councillors awarded a contract for construction works to J Swap Contractors Limited. Construction work will start in June 2018. Iwi, stakeholder and public meetings were held in May 2018, to introduce the contractors and outline the process and timeframes for the work before it starts.
A public site blessing was held on Tuesday 12 June, to mark the start of construction works for the project, see video below. Read about the event here>>
Public planting days are being held on Papahikahawai Island on 24 June, 1 July and 15 July, see details here >>
Ford Road and boat ramp closures from 1 August
- Ford Road (from the pump station near Ford’s Cut bridge to Te Tumu Cut) will be closed to all vehicle and pedestrian access from 1 August-20 December 2018. Traffic restrictions will remain in place at Ford’s Cut bridge until 30 June 2020.
- Ford Road boat ramp and the stop bank on both sides of Ford Road will be closed to the public from 1 August 2018-30 June 2020. Please use the alternative boat ramp at Bell Road during this time.
Project updates and monitoring
Project progress and monitoring results will be reported on annually and presented to the community at scheduled public meetings. The last community update meeting was held in Maketu on 2 May 2018. The next one is scheduled for 1 August 2018, details to come.
Key contact
For questions, complaints or feedback about this project, please contact the Project Manager – Pim de Monchy:
- Call 0800 884 881 ext 8518
- Email Pim.deMonchy@boprc.govt.nz
Background info
Background to the project is available here