Whirinaki flood protection project begins with vegetation clearing

Monday 10 November 2025 · 3 outlets · 3 reports · updated Mon 10 Nov 2025, 1:04pm

In this story Hawke's Bay Regional Council

Work has commenced on a $22 million flood mitigation project in the cyclone-hit community of Whirinaki. The project involves strengthening stopbanks and raising a 440m section of State Highway 2 by 1.8m. A sealed diversion road will be built to allow highway elevation work to start in January 2026.

How they headlined it

12:49pm

1. NZ HeraldMon 10 Nov 2025, 12:49pm

   Whirinaki’s $22m flood project finally under way, State Highway 2 to be raised 1.8m (opens in new tab)

2. 1NewsMon 10 Nov 2025, 12:52pm

   State Highway 2 to be raised 1.8m for flood protection (opens in new tab)

3. RNZMon 10 Nov 2025, 1:04pm

   State Highway 2 to be raised 1.8 metres as flood project gets under way (opens in new tab)