Lower orowaiti

Kawatiri Coastal Trail - Carter's Beach Westport

The Lower Orowaiti stopbank dimensions:

Length: 2,980m

Average height: 1.6m

Width at base: around 17m

Width at crest: 4m

Mainly earthen stopbank but a combination of stopbanking may be used.

Construction:Avery’s - 2026.

Balance of work: construction is likely to take place from late 2026, into 2027 (subject to consenting).

Lower Orowaiti is one of five main sections of stopbanks that make up the scheme:

Lower Orowaiti, Upper Orowaiti, North End, Lower Buller (Wharf to Buller Bridge) and Upper Buller (SH67 from Buller Bridge to Nine Mile Road).

Lower Orowaiti covers the area in Westport between Craddock Drive and Eastons Road to where it meets Stephen Road.

The Lower Orowaiti section covers the area in Westport between Craddock Drive and Stephen Road.

The stopbanks planned for there aim to protect homes from overflow from the Orowaiti River and estuary.

This section is made up of:

  • Avery’s stopbank

  • Eastons Road SH67 to Stephen Road

  • and Craddock Drive to Avery’s stopbank.

Avery’s stopbank

The Avery’s stopbank is part of the Lower Orowaiti section.

  • Construction on Avery’s stopbank is expected to take about four months.  

  • Height between 1.1 and 1.5 metres high.

  • Travels over a large culvert where height will reach 1.7m

  • Width between 15 and 20 metres wide at the base.

    What you need to know about Avery’s

  • The consent application for Avery’s stopbank was lodged with West Coast Regional Council in late June 2025.

  • Passing of the Te Tai o Poutini Plan (TTPP) means Buller District Council also needs to provide consent for the stopbank. The consent application was lodged in late November 2025.

  • The consent has taken longer than hoped due its complexity and managing the potential implications of the stopbank on nearby properties. We’re engaging with affected parties on that.

  • We’re working closely with both consenting authorities and hoping consent isn’t too far away.

  • The Avery’s stopbank will provide protection to 30 to 40 properties in the Orowaiti Road area, which are at risk of overflow from the estuary.

  • Rosco Contractors Ltd has been awarded the tender to construct the stopbank and install the culverts, being supplied by Humes.

  • A major culvert requires replacing as part of the work, as well as some smaller culverts. Culvert pipes have been pre-purchased. The team has worked closely with Buller District Council over this part of the process.

  • When construction gets underway, it is expected to involve temporary road closures on Orowaiti Road to allow for safe installation of the culvert and construction of the stopbank. Traffic management plans will be in place and communicated in advance to minimise disruption.

  • Engagement with affected homeowners is being carried out as part of the pre-consent work.  

  • In August 2025, some trees are being removed along Orowaiti Road to prepare the space for the stopbank once construction gets underway.

What about the balance of the Lower Orowaiti section?

Geotechnical investigations are complete at Eastons Road SH67 to Stephen Road, and Craddock Drive to Avery’s stopbank. Provisional design is underway. Construction is likely to take place from late 2026, into 2027 (subject to consenting).

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