The Whakatāne District Council is continuing its efforts to improve stormwater infrastructure in the Hinemoa Street area with a significant pump station upgrade well underway.
The current Hinemoa Street stormwater pump station, while once sufficient, now falls short of modern standards, and is insufficiently sized for the catchment it services. This poses a flooding risk to lower-lying properties, requiring an upgrade to ensure future resilience.
Project Manager, Aimee Thumath, says the Hinemoa Street stormwater pump station upgrade is essential to ensure the district’s stormwater management systems are up to modern standards and fit-for-purpose to protect from flooding.
“This significant upgrade aims to enhance the stormwater infrastructure to better protect residents and properties from flooding and provide robust protection during a one in 50-year local rainfall event, safeguarding low-lying properties.”
Due to space constraints at the current site, the new pump station is being constructed at the back of James Street School’s playing field.
“This location offers the necessary space for accessibility and practicality, allowing for the installation of pipework through the stopbank from the pump station site directly to the Whakatāne River to achieve the required pumping flowrate,” explains Aimee.
Construction to relocate and upgrade the current pump station commenced last year, alongside the installation of new stormwater pipes on Armstrong Avenue and Henderson Street.
“Following the installation of the stormwater pipes, seal reinstatement was completed last week on Armstrong Ave and Henderson Street, marking a significant milestone for nearby residents.”
Aimee says the next stage of the project starts today (Tuesday, 28 January). It involves excavation through the stopbank, working from the Whakatāne River back towards the floodwall to install three 1000mm diameter pipes (rising mains) that will convey stormwater from the pump station to the Whakatāne River.
“Due to the nature of the work involved, the river walkway will be closed to the public temporarily until the end of this week for the health and safety of contractors and the public.”
Phase 2 of installing the rising mains will involve excavation and installation of the pipes working from the pump station to the flood wall. The walkway is expected to remain open during this phase.
“We understand that construction can be disruptive, and we appreciate the community's patience and cooperation as we work to complete this essential upgrade.”
Construction, led by Waiotahi Contractors Ltd, is occurring weekdays between 7am and 6pm and is estimated to be completed by April 2025. The project is funded through the annual plan with a budget of $6.8million.
For more information please email aimee.thumath@whakatane.govt.nz or visit whakatane.govt.nz/about-council/council-projects/hinemoa-stormwater-improvements.
