Help shape how flood protection and drainage costs are shared in your community
Otago Regional Council is reviewing how the costs of the Lower Taieri and Lower Clutha Flood Protection and Drainage Schemes are shared between the properties that benefit from them.
At its meeting on Wednesday 29 July 2026, Council will consider whether to approve public consultation on a proposed new rating approach. If approved, public consultation will open in mid-August 2026, giving affected communities the opportunity to have their say before any decisions are made.
The current rating approach has developed over many years and includes historical arrangements that can be difficult to understand and explain. Following a detailed review, Council is proposing a new approach that is intended to be fairer, more transparent and easier to understand.
The proposal focuses on how the costs of the schemes are shared between properties.
If Council approves consultation, submissions will open in mid-August and close at 11.59pm on Friday 11 September 2026.
Proposed changes in the rates review may affect your property in different ways.
Depending on factors such as the level of flood protection received, land use, drainage demand and proposed scheme boundaries, your property may:
If Council approves consultation, our staff will be available to answer questions and explain the proposal at the following community drop-in sessions:
Balclutha
Thursday 20 August
12pm–3pm (presentation at 12:30pm)
4pm–7pm (presentation at 6pm)
Te Pou Ō Mata-Au | Clutha District War Memorial & Community Centre
4/6 Clyde Street, Balclutha
Mosgiel
Monday 24 August
11am–2pm (presentation at 12 noon)
4–6.30pm (presentation at 5.30pm)
Taieri Bowling Club,
12 Wickliffe Street, Mosgiel
Outram
Tuesday 25 August
11am–2pm (presentation at 12 noon)
4–6.30pm (presentation at 5.30pm)
West Taieri Rugby Club,
102 Formby Street, Outram
If consultation is approved and you have questions about the proposal, please reach out to us by calling 0800 474 082 or emailing customerservices@orc.govt.nz.
Want to learn more about the scheme that applies to your property?
The Lower Taieri Plain has a long history of flooding, and development of drainage and flood protection works goes back to the early 1900s.
The East Taieri Drainage Scheme, divided by Silver Stream, directs northern drains to the Upper Ponding area and southern drains to the Lower Ponding area. Low Taieri River flow uses gravity drainage; high flows need pump stations.
The West Taieri Drainage Scheme, part of the Lower Taieri Flood Protection Scheme, is bordered by the Taieri River, Lake Waipori, and the West Taieri Contour Channel. Unlike other schemes, it relies entirely on pump stations at Waipori, Henley, and Lake Ascog due to its low elevation, often at or below sea level.
The Lower Clutha Delta Scheme mitigates flooding and drains 9,300 hectares from north of Balclutha to the sea. The Clutha River, splitting into Koau and Matau branches, and other water sources contribute to the flow
