More than $6 million dollars will be spent on improving the Te Kūiti stormwater network over the next five years.

As part of Waitomo District Council’s recent Long Term Plan consultation and adoption, elected members have agreed to a significant investment, which includes two major projects being undertaken.

General Manager Infrastructure Services, Shyamal Ram says our district has experienced a number of severe weather events in the last three years that have had considerable impact on our community particularly Te Kūiti, and it’s great news to have the backing of our elected members for the projects we proposed as part of the LTP.

“The types of weather events that have impacted our district are likely to continue to occur so extra investment in our stormwater network will reduce the impact on residents and businesses in the future,” he says.

Projects will include constructing attenuation ponds to capture stormwater during intense rainfall, and modelling of the Te Kūiti stormwater system which will identify where more significant works may be required.

Other improvements have already been underway this year following the two weather events in 2023, which saw areas of Te Kūiti impacted by flooding.

This work has included upgrading culvert headwalls to wing walls to help reduce blockages where surface water is going into the network and installation of scruffy domes.

Updates on the new projects will be provided in the near future.