Earlier this year, Auckland Council requested an Order in Council from the government to enable faster delivery of two critical flood resilience projects in Māngere that will reduce future risk for the community.
This Order in Council has now been approved by Cabinet, as announced by the Minister for the Environment and the Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery, effective as of 25 October 2024.
Mayor Wayne Brown thanked Cabinet for prioritising the council’s request to expedite works that will protect the Māngere community, which would otherwise be vulnerable in future major flooding events.
“Now we can cut out red tape that would have slowed down much-needed work to improve physical resilience in Māngere,” says Mayor Brown.
“The money to do the work is sitting there as part of our Long-term Plan and we are good to go – this decision means we can get on with actually making Māngere safer and avoid the type of damage we saw last time round.
“There are 350 homes in Māngere that are to flood in the event of a future flood. This will help protect not only those homes but others in downstream catchments, so it’s very welcome news.”
Manukau ward councillors Alf Filipaina and Lotu Fuli welcome the Order in Council and these necessary works.
“Māngere was one of the hardest hit areas following the severe weather in early 2023 and these works will increase flood resilience for the wider community and reduce the flood risk for hundreds of properties,” says Cr Filipaina.
“Some of these homes are classed as having an intolerable risk to life and it is vital that this work is completed. It’s great to see the council working with central government to deliver these projects quickly for our Māngere community,” says Cr Fuli.
Tauanu’u Nanai Nick Bakulich, Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board Chairperson is glad to see the Order in Council take effect on 25 October.
“It’s encouraging to see our community - local groups, mana whenua, leaders, homeowners, renters, families, and community providers - engaged in this process. As residents who understand the challenges we face, we are committed to being involved and supporting these efforts. Our focus is on creating a safer and more flood-resilient community,” says Chairperson Bakulich.
The Order in Council will apply to the two projects proposed in Te Ararata Creek and Harania Creek in Māngere, and only the council would be able to use it to apply for consents.
It would take effect from late October 2024 and while it expires on 31 March 2028, the works are likely to be completed earlier than this.
Working with the community
Auckland Council remains committed to keeping the Māngere community engaged and informed about the vital flood resilience projects in the Harania and Te Ararata catchment areas. These projects are part of the council’s ongoing efforts to build sustainable and resilient communities while addressing the growing challenges of a disrupted climate.
As part of this commitment, we are working closely with the Community Working Group (CWG), which includes representatives from mana whenua, the Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board, and key community organisations such as the Te Ararata Stream Team, I Am Māngere, Māngere Town Centre, faith, family and youth groups.
The CWG plays a critical role in ensuring the voices of local communities are heard and integrated into the project’s development and delivery. Their priorities include:
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Identifying and strengthening cultural, social, and environmental outcomes that resonate with the local community.
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Collaborating with Auckland Council to ensure these priorities are embedded into the project’s planning and execution.
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Facilitating open, ongoing communication between the project team and the wider community to promote transparency and trust.
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Providing local knowledge that enhances the success of each project, ensuring long-term benefits for the area.
Next steps
These flood resilience projects will mitigate future risks and deliver co-benefits such as improved green spaces, enhanced biodiversity, and continue to build on the strong community connections.
You can find out more information about these projects on the council’s website or you can reach out to the team at bluegreen@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.
