Why we need a stopbank?

Parts of the Ōpōtiki township have a long history of flooding, with rural floodwaters entering the town from the south during large rainfall events.

The primary aim of the Duke Street West Stopbank project is to prevent rural floodwaters entering town, with a proposed new flood defense structure (stopbank) that is designed to protect the Ōpōtiki township from a 1% Annual Exceedance Probability (AEP) rainfall event (1 in 100 year event) including allowances for climate change through to the year 2100.

Flooding not only affects the land on which it falls, but also creates knock-on problems for our wastewater system.

When floodwater enters the town, it increases stormwater infiltration into wastewater pipes, which raises the risk of wet-weather wastewater overflows into our environment.

What's planned?

The Duke Street Stopbank project involves constructing approximately 650 metres (marked in yellow) of stopbank along the western side of Duke Street.

In the early stages of this project Council will obtain a detailed assessment of the likely flood impacts on land to the south of the stopbank. This involves working with Bay of Plenty Regional Council, who manage the flood effects from rural areas.

From there we will work towards finalising the preferred design option, applying for resource consent and eventually begin the tendering and construction process.

What this project will deliver

Once completed, the Duke Street Stopbank will:

• Significantly reduce the risk of rural floodwaters entering the Ōpōtiki township.
• Lower peak flood levels by around 300–400 mm in parts of the township.
• Reduce stormwater entering the wastewater network, helping to lower the frequency of wet-weather wastewater overflows.
• Improve long-term flood resilience for residents, businesses, and critical infrastructure.

How it is funded

The total project budget is $2.65 million.

Funding comes from:

• $1.38 million from central government via the Regional Infrastructure Fund, provided as a suspensory loan*
• $1.27 million from Ōpōtiki District Council, including:
  • $745,550 of Better Off Funding.
    Council is currently working through the approval process with Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) to finalise funding allocation. Council expects final approval to be given within the next month.
  • The balance provided through the Long-Term Plan

You can read more about the Government's Regional Infrastructure Fund in the media release from Oct 2025.