New wetlands are taking shape in the upper catchment of the Heathcote River as work continues on reducing the flood risk in the area.

The wetlands will act as storage basins in heavy rainfall events.

Christchurch City Council Head of Three Waters and Waste Helen Beaumont said contractors are currently working on a 100-hectare facility between Cashmere and Sutherlands Roads and another in Cashmere Valley, close to the Christchurch Adventure Park.

“These new facilities will help reduce the risk of flooding, as the large ponds capture and store excess stormwater in large rain events.’’

The wetlands, will also act as a natural filter for the stormwater before it flows into the Heathcote River, which is home to freshwater cray fish, freshwater mussels, and whitebait. 

“The Eastman’s and Sutherlands stormwater basins, which are currently under construction, are part of four new stormwater treatment facilities in the Cashmere/Hoon Hay/Halswell area. Basins at Curletts Wetland and Ngā Puna Wai in Wigram are already operational and providing flood storage.”

All of these facilities will have an automatic control system to manage water levels during a flood event.

They will be planted with thousands of locally sourced native grasses, shrubs and trees to increase the city’s biodiversity and to create new habitats for native birds, fish and animals. They will also have walking paths and green spaces for people to enjoy.

The largest site at Eastmans/Sutherlands – will have around 12,500 native trees planted and up to 350,000 other plants and shrubs. It will be the largest single site planting project ever undertaken in Christchurch.

The full network of stormwater facilities is expected to be operational by 2023.