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The road to Cape Palliser, a popular North Island landmark, is facing an ongoing battle with coastal erosion. Efforts are underway by local authorities and the community to address the issue and secure a lasting solution.

Road Under Threat

The most southerly road on the North Island is regularly exposed to harsh winter storms. Last year, a section of the road near the village of Ngawi was so severely damaged that one lane was washed away, forcing traffic into a one-way system. Despite the damage, the road remains a popular route for tourists visiting the Cape Palliser lighthouse and its seal colony, located 15km further along.

Brian Jephson, a former South Wairarapa District Councillor and local farmer, emphasized the collaborative effort to repair and maintain the road. “South Wairarapa District Council are really in behind this,” he said. Roading contractors, Fulton Hogan, are currently managing the one-lane section, closing the road during severe weather or implementing a stop-go system to ensure safety.

Impact on the Community

The road’s condition is impacting local residents and visitors alike. Jephson noted that while retirees may be less affected by temporary closures, those who commute to work are more vulnerable to disruptions. The changing demographics of Ngawi, with an increasing number of commuters, add to the urgency of finding a permanent fix.

NZTA (Waka Kotahi) provides funding to the South Wairarapa District Council for road operations and maintenance, but the council is responsible for carrying out the physical work. Currently, the financial assistance rate for approved maintenance, low-cost, and emergency works on Cape Palliser Road is 100%.

What’s Next?

While a permanent solution is being sought, the road is likely to remain vulnerable to further damage from winter storms. Continued monitoring and reactive repairs by Fulton Hogan will likely be necessary in the short term. The South Wairarapa District Council and NZTA will need to assess the long-term viability of the current route and explore options for stabilization or relocation. If funding remains consistent, the council is well-positioned to address immediate concerns, but a comprehensive solution could require significant investment and planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What caused the damage to Cape Palliser Road?

Last year, a section of the road near Ngawi was washed away by a winter storm, resulting in the loss of an entire lane.

Who is responsible for repairing the road?

The South Wairarapa District Council is responsible for carrying out the repairs, while NZTA/Waka Kotahi provides funding.

Is the road currently open to traffic?

The road is currently open, but with one lane operating under a one-way system in the section near Ngawi that was damaged last year.

How will the ongoing threat of coastal erosion impact access to Cape Palliser in the future?

Nearly 18,000 properties across the Wairarapa region are estimated to be at risk from severe flooding, according to data released by Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC). The figures, obtained through a request under the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act, reveal a significant and growing vulnerability for communities throughout the region.

Regional Breakdown of Flood Risk

The data breaks down as follows: 3,100 properties in Carterton, 9,400 in Masterton, and 5,300 in South Wairarapa are currently estimated to be at risk. These figures encompass both rural and urban properties, and GWRC anticipates the number will increase without intervention.

Lian Butcher, GWRC’s group manager environment, stated that climate change is already intensifying the frequency and severity of weather events. “Assuming existing schemes do not change, and at-risk properties are not retreated from hazard areas, the number of properties at risk is likely to increase,” Butcher said. Climate change modelling suggests that by 2110, nearly 50% of all buildings in both the South Wairarapa and Masterton districts could be exposed to flooding – approximately 6,100 and 10,900 buildings respectively.

Commercial and Residential Impacts

The potential impact extends to the commercial sector, with estimates suggesting that 60% of commercial buildings in South Wairarapa and 70% in Masterton could be at risk by 2110. Residential buildings face a similar threat, with nearly 50% of all homes in both districts potentially exposed to floodwaters.

While four of the five Wairarapa towns – Featherston, Greytown, Carterton, and Masterton – are vulnerable due to major rivers in the Ruamāhanga Valley, GWRC acknowledges that Martinborough and other areas are also susceptible. Martinborough, though on higher ground, can become isolated during flood events, disrupting access for residents and visitors. The Tinui area experienced flooding as a result of Cyclone Gabrielle, demonstrating coastal catchments are also at risk.

Financial Implications and Ongoing Efforts

GWRC has conducted a detailed flood damage assessment for Masterton, estimating potential costs between $8.1 million and $16.7 million currently, rising to $21.5 million and $42.3 million with the effects of climate change. Comparable analyses have not yet been completed for Carterton or South Wairarapa. For context, a 2022 assessment of the broader Wellington region indicated that approximately 31% of the region’s population and buildings could be exposed to flooding during a 1-in-100-year event.

GWRC is actively involved in flood risk management, including modelling, planning, emergency response, and infrastructure maintenance. Current work programs include projects focused on the Waipoua River in Masterton, exploring nature-based solutions, and reviewing the lower Wairarapa valley development scheme. Following Budget 2024, GWRC and Kānoa are co-funding 16 flood resilience projects across Wairarapa and Ōtaki.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many properties are currently at risk of flooding in the Wairarapa region?

Approximately 17,800 properties are estimated to be at risk, broken down as 3,100 in Carterton, 9,400 in Masterton, and 5,300 in South Wairarapa.

What is driving the increase in flood risk?

Climate change is identified as the primary driver, increasing the frequency and intensity of severe weather events. Continued development in known flood-prone areas is also contributing to the growing risk.

What is GWRC doing to address the issue?

GWRC is undertaking a range of initiatives, including flood risk modelling, emergency management planning, infrastructure maintenance, and co-funding resilience projects with Kānoa.

As climate change continues to reshape the landscape, what steps can communities take to proactively mitigate the risks associated with increased flooding?