Thursday 16 October 2025
ORC has welcomed confirmation the Ministry for Business and Innovation has granted a total $4.7 million funding across six separate flood protection projects in the Clutha district and near Mosgiel, south of Dunedin.
ORC’s Chief Executive Richard Saunders welcomed confirmation of the funding from the Regional Infrastructure Fund, thanking the government for the investment which will enable ORC to accelerate its flood and drainage work programme.
He highlighted the complexity and diversity of work required for the four projects within the Lower Clutha Flood Protection and Drainage Scheme and two projects across the Lower Taieri Flood Protection Scheme – which collectively protect more than 13,000 people and almost $6 billion of assets.
“Numerous flood and high river events spanning from 2017 through October 2024 have taken their toll on ORC’s flood infrastructure assets, which could otherwise threaten hundreds of properties, businesses, stock, roads, Dunedin’s airport and thousands of hectares of productive land,” he says.
The new $96 million investment package was announced this afternoon on the bank of Te Awa Kairangi / Hutt River by Minister for Regional Development Shane Jones alongside LGNZ Regional Sector Chair Daran Ponter.
Of the 32 projects, 22 are based in the South Island.
A total $7.8 million is scheduled to be spent on the six Otago projects, with the MBIE share of $4.7 million contributing to about 60% of the overall costs, and the $3.1 million balance funded by ORC.
The $4.7 million is the second tranche of MBIE funding confirmed for Otago, the first tranche being $5.4 million in Government funding announced in August 2024, for further works on the Taieri Contour Channel flood-bank project, south of Dunedin near Mosgiel.
Mr Saunders says the wide-ranging work in tranche two funding runs from geotechnical investigations through to repair and maintenance of coastal and inland flood banks, channels, culverts and streams.
“People are experiencing firsthand the effects of increasing climatic events, so it’s more important than ever to maintain ORC’s flood protection assets across Otago,” he says.
From the tranche two funding round, there are four recipient projects within the Lower Clutha Flood Protection and Drainage Scheme, which were all damaged to some degree in the October 2024 flood event, and two projects in the Lower Taieri Flood Protection Scheme.
These 4 projects (above) collectively protect:
The overall rateable value of the land and assets protected by the Lower Clutha Flood Protection and Drainage Scheme is approximately $1.7 Billion.
The 2 projects (above) collectively protect:
The overall rateable value of land and assets protected by the Lower Taieri Flood Protection Scheme is approximately $4 Billion.
ORC safeguards local communities in Otago by managing flood protection and drainage assets. This includes 200+ kilometres of floodbanks, 12 pumping stations, 55 bridges, and culverts. Flood schemes minimize damage to property, livestock, and infrastructure, vital for Otago’s low-lying communities. Rising sea levels make this work even more urgent.
Otago, New Zealand's third-largest region, features diverse landscapes like rugged coastlines and majestic mountains. We prioritize sustainability and collaborate with mana whenua and the community on projects. Explore our ongoing initiatives.
