Source: Auckland Council
News that work has begun clearing a flood-prone stream in Māngere East is welcome news for a community grappling with frequent flooding.
Significant flooding occurred in the Hain Ave area during the Anniversary weekend storms, as well as in 2023. Modifications were made to the inlet at that time to help prevent future flooding.
The stream clearing is one of three projects underway in the area aimed at increasing flood resilience.
Board chair Tauanu’u Nick Bakulich says, “This is a vulnerable area, and it is critical that mitigation works is part of the solution.”
The clean-up of 1km of stream that runs between 58 Hain Ave and 117a Gray Ave is expected to take around five weeks, finishing around the end of August.
Two culverts (a drainage system built under roads, pathways, railroads, and bridges to allow water to flow underneath) on Hain Ave and nearby Earlsworth Way, will also be inspected. Clearing the stream of blockages, fallen trees, and overgrown vegetation will reduce water pressure during heavy rain and lower the risk of flooding.
The stream cleanup is funded by Auckland Council and central government under its Accelerating Storm Readiness Fund. There are 15 problematic areas identified across Auckland for urgent maintenance work.
“The community has had to endure much as a result of last year’s weather events, the start of these works has been very much welcomed,” says Bakulich.
The other two projects in Māngere, are linked to the wider Making Space for Water programme.
Bakulich concludes, “The Local Board and Manukau Ward Councillors are delighted that our advocacy on behalf of the people has been achieved by way of these works taking place.”
Making Māngere a priority
The two other projects, in Te Ararata, and Harania catchment areas, are set to have $53m in work done.
This will mean that 244 properties in Te Ararata and Harania catchments are predicted to have a reduced flood risk, including 51 assessed as an intolerable risk to life.
The proposed works in the Te Ararata catchment include:
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Increasing the stream capacity under Walmsley Road bridge,
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Improving the maintenance access for the Mahunga Drive culverts,
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Installing debris capture devices along the Te Ararata stream.
The proposed works in the Harania catchment include:
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Replacing embankments at Tennessee Avenue and Blake Road with an open stream and pipe bridges to increase water capacity
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Enhancing the newly created stream area with landscaping and planting.
“The Harania and Te Ararata catchments in Māngere were amongst the worst affected in Tāmaki Makaurau and Māngere continues to be impacted by heavy rain events. As we progress recovery, as a region, it’s important that we do what we can to support our communities on this journey,” says Manukau ward councillor Alf Filipaina.
“We know that the works in Māngere can be done so it makes sense to start here – but this is only the beginning of a much wider, regional programme,” says Manukau ward councillor Lotu Fuli.
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