Long-awaited Kāpiti stormwater project set to begin

A Paraparaumu community long affected by flooding issues can head into winter 2025 confident rain will no longer pose such a threat to property and infrastructure.

Work to improve the flow of the Te Atiawa waterway, which runs through the suburb of Kenakena to the Waikanae Estuary, will begin in January.

Kāpiti Coast District Council Infrastructure and Asset Management Group Manager Sean Mallon says the project will provide relief for residents, schools and businesses in the Kenakena catchment area.

“Flooding in this area has been a problem for many years, caused by a blockage at the point the waterway discharges to the estuary and exacerbated by increased development in the area,” Mr Mallon says.

Image: Example of the fish-friendly pump. See larger image.

“We’ve now got an exciting solution which will ensure that when we get heavy rain stormwater will flow much more freely away from homes, parks and properties.”

To do this Council will install a fish-friendly pump and weir where the water discharges at Manly St, replace the culvert under Manly St that leads to the Waikanae Estuary, and lower the level of the whole waterway.

“All together this will create a shallow, meandering stream that will be much better able to handle heavy rain when it does come.”

Reducing the water level in the stream will also lower the water table in the surrounding area. This means stormwater will drain away more easily, reducing ponding and flood risk.

Mr Mallon says the work will also improve the health and ecology of the waterway.

“The pump we’re installing uses an Archimedes' screw mechanism which allows for the safe passage of fish through it.

“We’ll also be adding some areas of native planting along the waterway which will provide some areas where fish can rest and hangout.”

The work site will be established at Manly St in early January and the first job will be to reroute underground services near the area.

To build the new culvert Manly Street will be closed for five weeks from late March, with detours in place. Work will be complete ahead of winter 2025.

“This is an exciting project that will make a significant difference to the Kenakena community and we look forward to getting it done,” Mr Mallon says.

Visit kapiticoast.govt.nz/kenakena for more information.