A system failure in a flood event would be a disaster for the Hutt Valley and Lower Hutt City.

The programme's flood protection work is expected to safeguard residents and property from a one in a 440 year flooding event (including an allowance for the impacts of climate change) that has a 0.23% chance of happening in any year. 

A large flood events that could affect up to 3,000 homes, five schools and 600 businesses, with the potential to cause an estimated $1.1 billion worth of damage across the community. During construction, the flood security of Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai - Lower Hutt will be a key element.

Last updated: 17 Sept 2025

The goal is to build flood protection infrastructure along the Hutt River that reflects the community's decision made through the Hutt River Floodplain Management Plan in 2001.

Last updated: 28 Jun 2021