Large rocks are being brought into Kaikōura to help strengthen vulnerable river systems and reduce the risk of flooding.

Canterbury Regional Council’s rivers team is stockpiling about 4,000 tonnes of river rock as part of Environment Canterbury’s flood and river resilience programme in Kaikōura.

The rock will be used to reinforce vulnerable parts of local river systems and help manage how water moves during high flows.

Deliveries are continuing throughout the year, and about 2,000 tonnes of rocks were delivered by the end of June.

The wider programme also includes vegetation clearance to improve flood capacity, strengthening of berms, and upgrades to flood protection structures.

Work is also getting underway to remove wattle trees from the Kowhai River channel and berms, helping water move more freely during flood events.

A contractor is expected to begin that work this month, with further clearance planned later in the year.

Environment Canterbury said the work would help reduce flood risk and protect homes, businesses and critical infrastructure in the Kaikōura area.

The project is co-funded through the Government’s Regional Infrastructure Fund, administered by Kānoa, the Regional Economic Development and Investment Unit.

Under the funding arrangement, the Government covers about 60 percent of project costs, with the remaining 40 percent funded locally.

Environment Canterbury said the co-funding allowed flood resilience projects to be brought forward and delivered sooner.

Councillor Ian Mackenzie, Community Preparedness and Response to Hazards Core Service Lead, said the investment would make a real difference for the community.

“Working with our communities means planning ahead and investing in the kind of work that makes a real difference when it matters most.

“Thanks to this co-funding, we’re able to get on with strengthening Kaikōura’s river systems now, helping to manage flood risk and give people greater confidence that their homes, businesses and infrastructure are better protected into the future,” Mackenzie said.

Environment Canterbury said it would continue to advocate, alongside the regional sector, for greater shared investment in flood protection and river resilience projects across Canterbury.