Upper Buller

The scheme is divided into five main sections of stopbanks:

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

The Upper Buller stopbank will be an earthen structure of around 2.8km.

Completed: preliminary design, river modelling, site investigation and geotechnical reporting, initial design and review, Assessment of Environmental Effects.
Current status: Engagement with affected landowners including O’Conor Home, and negotiation of land access agreements is ongoing as is engagement with NZTA (around any potential impacts on the Buller Bridge).
WSP Ltd is investigating potentially removing the previous bridge left abutment, as it obstructs flow. We are consulting with the Buller District Council and Heritage NZ around this removal.
A consenting strategy has been produced for Upper Buller and Carters Beach as they have interdependencies. Consent will be applied for once the Carters Beach alignment is finalised.
Estimated construction dates: Early 2026 – late 2026