Hundreds of residents in Māngere can rest easier knowing their homes are less susceptible to flooding when the next major storm hits, thanks to the completion of Te Ararata Flood Resilience Project.
As the first blue-green network project to be completed under Auckland Council’s Making
Space for Water programme, this major milestone will help protect properties from flooding while creating lasting community and environmental benefits.The project is part of a co-funding partnership between Auckland Council and central government to accelerate flood resilience and recovery work following Auckland’s severe weather events in early 2023.
Councillor Alf Filipaina says Te Ararata Flood Resilience Project represents the kind of action Aucklanders expect following the severe weather events of recent years.
“This project delivers real protection for families and homes in Māngere while helping Auckland become more resilient to future storms. It’s practical investment that will make a genuine difference to people’s lives and homes.
“This is a great example of council, mana whenua, central government and the community working together to get an important job done.”
By replacing and widening the Walmsley Road Bridge, installing a debris rack, and upgrading the culverts and maintenance access at Mahunga Drive, Te Ararata Flood Resilience Project will reduce potential flood levels and flood risk for more than 250 properties across the area, including 38 properties that experienced intolerable risk-to-life flooding and more than 100 properties that experienced floor-level flooding during the 2023 storms. It will also reduce flood risks caused by stream and network blockages for up to 1,000 properties.
Auckland Council’s General Manager Healthy Waters and Flood Resilience Craig Mcilroy says the project demonstrates what can be achieved when communities are placed at the centre of resilience planning and represents a significant achievement for the Making Space for Water programme.
“Te Ararata is about much more than infrastructure, it is about protecting people, reducing risk and creating a stronger future for the Māngere community. It showcases how partnership and innovative flood resilience solutions can deliver real impact for Aucklanders,” Mr Mcilroy says.
“Community involvement has been central to this project from the beginning. We’ve worked closely with residents, mana whenua and stakeholders to share progress, answer questions and ensure the project is fit for purpose.
"It’s an important step in Auckland Council’s wider flood resilience programme and reflects our ongoing commitment to helping communities better withstand future severe weather events.”
The $24 million project was delivered by Auckland Council in partnership with mana whenua, including Te Aakitai Waiohua, Ngāti Tamaoho and Te Ahiwaru, whose representatives contributed throughout the project in their roles as kaitiaki, helping to recognise and uphold the cultural significance of the area.
Community voices also helped shape the project through the Stakeholder Advisory Group, which connected Auckland Council with residents and community organisations to ensure local knowledge and community outcomes were reflected in decision-making.
Aucklanders can take steps today to help reduce flood risk by:
• checking whether their property is at risk of flooding
• preparing their property for severe weather events
• reporting flooding issues or flood risks
• learning more about local flood resilience projects and resilience planning
• talking with whānau about where to go and what to take in an emergency
• learning more about making a household emergency plan
An anchor stone and kōwhatu by mana whenua artist Clynt White (Te Aakitai Waiohua) was acknowledged at the Te Ararata Stream, reflecting the cultural significance of the area and the enduring partnership behind the project.
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