Although flooding is common in the narrow valley floors of the hill country, Taranaki does not have any large flood plains.
Rivers and streams are generally cut into deep channels on the ring plain.
Council has carried out works to reduce damage from floods and erosion where necessary. However, apart from three flood control schemes, flood control works are relatively minor throughout the region. Stopbanks and channel training works have been constructed to reduce the flood risk for Waitara township.
The Lower Waiwhakaiho Scheme provides flood control in the Waiwhakaiho Valley, Glen Avon and Fitzroy areas of New Plymouth.
Flood detention works on the Huatoki, Waimea and Mangaotuku streams protect central New Plymouth. Council also facilitates maintenance of three other river/flood control schemes, in central Taranaki and has commenced similar channel clearing work in Waitotara River.
Advice and flood response
The Council provides flood warnings and flood control advice, and also carries out minor works to reduce flood damage.
Rainfall, river levels and/or wind speed and direction are measured at selected sites throughout the region. The data is automatically transmitted to the computer system at the Stratford office. During flood events remote stations can be individually interrogated to provide immediate information. The flood management system enables staff to provide flood warnings and information to emergency services, road authorities, district councils or affected property owners.