The Raupo Drainage Scheme is a vital piece of infrastructure for the Kaipara District, protecting approximately 8,700 hectares of highly productive, low-lying fertile land. Recently, GWE marked a significant milestone in the evolution of this scheme with the official launch of the new Raupo G Canal floodgate.
The project was officially opened last weekend in an event attended by GWE’s Gareth Williams and Robin Dawson, alongside local stakeholders, community members, and the Raupo Drainage Committee. More than just a piece of infrastructure, this project represents a major step forward in regional flood resilience and a testament to how GWE applies our LIFT principles to deliver tangible community benefits.
©Kaipara District Council
Applying the LIFT Principles
At GWE, we believe that great engineering starts with a commitment to the “why” behind every project. This complex undertaking was a perfect demonstration of our LIFT methodology in action:
Listen: We worked closely with the Raupo Drainage Committee and local landowners to understand the historical drainage issues and the community’s vision for long-term land productivity.
Innovate: This project was a long and challenging journey with no existing template for design or construction. We leaned into this challenge, using bespoke technical modelling to ensure the floodgate would perform in a demanding environment with no prior blueprint.
Follow Through: Our commitment spanned the entire lifecycle of the project. We remained deeply involved from the initial vision through to construction and final commissioning to ensure a high-performing reality.
Team Up: Success was a collaborative effort. By teaming up with the Kaipara District Council, the Committee, Barfoote Construction, and Crompton Engineering, we delivered a $5.3 million asset that protects critical infrastructure and the livelihoods of the Ruawai community.
Proven Performance: Results Under Pressure
The true measure of a flood protection asset is its performance during extreme weather. Shortly after becoming operational, the floodgate was put to the test by ex-TC Vaianu. Historically, significant flooding in this catchment would linger for days, causing damage to soil quality and hindering agricultural production.
With the new G Canal gate operational, floodwaters dissipated in under 24 hours. The speed of recovery has been described as a game-changer for the catchment’s ability to bounce back after storm events.
A Message from the Community
We are incredibly proud of the feedback received from those who rely on this infrastructure daily. Ian Beattie, Chair of the Raupo Drainage Committee, shared the following testimonial regarding GWE’s involvement:
“The new Raupo G Canal floodgate has delivered an outstanding result for our community. Since becoming operational, property owners within the catchment have already seen improved drainage and increased land productivity under normal conditions, but the real test came during recent storm events.
Following ex-TC Vaianu, the speed at which floodwater cleared from affected areas was remarkable — significant flooding that would normally linger had dissipated in under 24 hours, dramatically improving the catchment’s ability to recover.
This project was a long and challenging journey with no existing template for design or construction, but GWE’s innovation, technical expertise, and problem-solving helped turn a complex vision into a successful outcome. Their commitment to delivering practical, long-term solutions has created a tangible benefit for the residents and ratepayers of Ruawai and surrounds.”
Looking Forward
As we face increasing climate challenges and regional pressure on water management, projects like the Raupo G Canal floodgate are essential for safeguarding our regions. GWE is proud to have contributed to a project that ensures the Ruawai area remains a productive and safe place to live and farm for generations to come.
Learn more : https://www.kaipara.govt.nz/news/post/983-Pioneering-floodgate-boosts-flood-protection