Working alongside engineers to reduce flooding of Flaxmill Bridge while also protecting a Significant Natural Area
When Pōrangahau Road experienced extended road closures caused by extreme rainfall events and flooding, the Central Hawke’s Bay District Council wanted to futureproof the road, improving resilience so it could withstand future weather events. The solution included raising the level of the road and completing flood mitigation works. Part of the process was a critical consenting requirement to undertake an ecological assessment of the Tāurekaitai Stream. The council reached out to us for help.
We surveyed the streams, wetlands, vegetation, and associated habitats in and around Tāurekaitai Stream and Pōrangahau Road, including the Wanstead Swamp, a Significant Natural Area located in the proposed project footprint. Working with our engineers and mana whenua (indigenous authority over land), we found an ecologically sensitive stream design that avoided any impact on wetlands and migratory fish. We produced an ecological impact assessment report and a community planting strategy to guide streamside restoration and a fauna salvage protocol to minimise adverse effects during the construction phase.
As a result, the Council successfully attained the resource consent application to proceed.
At a Glance
- Offices
- Client
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- Central Hawke’s Bay Dist. Council
- Award
- Civil Contractors New Zealand Hawke’s Bay East Coast Awards 2022
Kristy Harrison, Group Leader, Environmental Science
I’m lucky enough to nurture my passion for the environment while working on projects all over the world.
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