A major flood protection upgrade for Edgecumbe opened today.

Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson said the project significantly strengthened the region’s infrastructure.

“This is one of the biggest flood resilience efforts completed in New Zealand in recent years. It will deliver vital protection for local communities and unlock economic potential across the Eastern Bay of Plenty,” Minister Patterson said.

The devastating 2017 floods showed how urgently the area needed improved defences, he said.

“When the Rangitāiki River overflowed, it caused widespread damage, forced families from their homes and disrupted lives for months,” Minister Patterson said.

The $50 million Rangitāiki Floodway project was delivered in six stages.

Its purpose was to ease pressure on the stopbanks by diverting river flow during heavy rain.

The final stage increased the floodway’s capacity and added a new spillway upstream of Edgecumbe.

The Government contributed $14 million, with the rest funded by the Bay of Plenty Regional Council and the local community.

“Installing floodgates and upgrading the spillway means the Regional Council can better control water flows and reduce flood risk,” Minister Patterson said.

He said the project was an example of how smart infrastructure investment can protect people and boost long-term regional wellbeing.

“This kind of work strengthens the social, environmental, economic, and cultural resilience of our communities,” Minister Patterson said.

“Partnerships between government, iwi, industry and local residents have been key to getting this done.

“I’m looking forward to seeing how the newly protected land supports future growth and benefits the local economy,” Minister Patterson said.