Isolated Works and Advice

Isolated Works

Greater Wellington Regional Council Flood Protection has an annual budgeted amount ($20,000) for a contribution/reimbursement for river works that fit within the Isolated Works policy. 

Isolated works are privately owned flood or erosion protection works that are constructed outside areas where Greater Wellington manages community flood protection schemes e.g. outside the urban area for the Mangaroa River.  The intent of the contribution is to provide a level of service to areas that are not eligible for rate funded community flood protection schemes. 

The maximum contribution/reimbursement is set at 30% of the actual completed cost of an eligible isolated work up to a maximum of $20,000 each year. This is for works that have been completed with the correct resource consents and has traditionally been provided on a first in first served basis.

Flood Hazard Modelling Standard

In the Wellington Region, flooding is a major risk to life, property and infrastructure. A number of communities are considered to be at risk. Urban areas in the Hutt Valley, townships on the Kāpiti Coast, Masterton and Greytown in the Wairarapa, and rural areas throughout the region are exposed to flood risks.

The flooding of the Waiwhetu Stream in 2004 is a reminder of the havoc it can cause. A number of residential properties along Riverside Drive, the Hutt Park raceway and the industrial area in Gracefield were damaged.

Understanding the flood hazard helps to make informed decisions about the best ways to manage the threat. This may be through managing or reducing the risk to existing development. For future planning, excluding sensitive land uses (i.e. residential development, hospitals and schools) from high hazard areas will help to minimise the risk.

Flood hazard modelling is crucial in estimating the flood risk. The models produce a series of flood hazard maps and data for various situations. A range of possible flooding scenarios and the danger associated with these events are considered. Our investment and emergency management decisions are based on these modelling results.

What is the Flood Hazard Modelling Standard?

We have developed Flood Hazard Modelling Standard to outline the protocols for new flood hazard modelling projects. The protocols ensure a robust and consistent approach, and in line with the accepted industry practice. It allows flexibility because the best approach may be dependent on the catchment or the project.

River & Small Stream Erosion Repair Guides

Greater Wellington Regional Council Flood Protection has prepared two booklets to assist rural landowners, GWRC staff and contractors. These booklets are a best practice guide for River & Small Stream Erosion Repair.

Select from the list to the right of this page for the the Guides.

Cautionary Note

The techniques and plans contained in the Guide have been prepared and included on the basis of the information accumulated by GWRC and the experience of GWRC staff over many years in undertaking and supervising repair work. This is made available to offer assistance to rural landowners who experience erosion and are considering whether or not to undertake repairs. 

The guidelines and plans have been compiled to deal with common or standard situations. Landowners are cautioned against using the guidelines and plans in circumstances which may not be common or standard and are advised to seek professional assistance if in doubt or where there has been significant erosion.

While GWRC has endeavoured to ensure the guidelines and plans are a fair statement of the best practice derived from experience, it cannot assume responsibility to any third party for the reliability, accuracy or completeness of the information or plans contained in this Guide or of the applicability of either to any particular circumstances.