Extreme weather events in December 2011 and April 2013 caused significant flooding to both commercial and residential properties in the Saxton area. A project has been underway since 2015 to improve the flood protection in and around Saxton Creek.

The first three stages of the project have been completed (see what was completed in the previous stages here), and we are about to begin the final stage of work (Stage 4).

This stage covers upgrading Saxton Creek from Main Road Stoke to the sea.

This segment of the creek is severely under-capacity, with open and buried culverts / pipes able to handle a 1 in 5-year flood event. The upgrade will mean the area will be able to cater for a 1 in 100-year flood event. Without this last upgrade section, the benefits of the previous stages will not be realised.

This work has received $7.5 million of funding from Kānoa - Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit. This funding contributes towards projects that build more resilient river communities. This project will help to reduce the environmental, economic and social damage caused by flooding.

The Kānoa funding has helped bring this project forward, so that new jobs have been created. This supports local economies and their social wellbeing following the impact of COVID-19.