A 10yr construction programme started in 2019 to increase the level of flood protection provided by the Waipaoa Flood Control Scheme (65km of earthen stopbanks) up to a 100-year return period accounting for climate change effects out to the year 2090.

The stopbanks being raised include either side of the Whakaahu Stream near Patutahi Township.

The upgraded stopbanks will create x2 flood scheme relative ‘low points’ at Kirkpatrick Road located on either side of the Tietjen’s Bridge (Near the confluence of Whakaahu Stream & Waipaoa River).

To address the x2 low points in the Waipaoa Flood Control Scheme, Kirkpatrick Road needs to be raised approximately 1.7m on the True Right Bank (southern side) and 1.2m on the True Left Bank (northern side).