Whirinaki Papakāinga Managed Retreat
The Whirinaki Managed Retreat Project addresses increasing flood risks in the Whirinaki Valley by developing plans to relocate homes and community facilities from flood-prone areas to safer, higher ground within the rohe.
Why This Matters
The Whirinaki Valley floor faces significant flooding risks, with many whanau living in 10-year flood zones, and 100-year flood levels potentially reaching over 2.2 meters in some areas. These floods affect homes, marae, kōhanga reo, and papakāinga. This climate adaptation project aims to protect people while preserving deep connections to the whenua and awa.
Our Approach
The project aims to create sustainable and resilient papakāinga designed with hapū for hapū. The project builds on years of planning and cultural mapping, drawing inspiration from successful models like Te Piringa Hapū in Hawke's Bay. The project focuses on:
Identifying stable, elevated sites suitable for new housing and community facilities
Designing papakāinga that honour cultural practices and maintain connections to the awa, ngahere, moana and mara kai
Creating opportunities for food sovereignty, ecological restoration, and sustainable development
Current Status
The project is currently in the early design phase, with site assessments and background research completed. Community hui are being held to gather input before major design work begins, with a three-day design workshop scheduled for April 22-23 2025.
Get Involved
Your voice matters in shaping Whirinaki's future. To participate:
Attend upcoming hui and workshops
Complete the community survey about housing needs and aspirations
Contact the Project Manager with questions or to share ideas
This managed retreat isn't just about moving houses—it's about creating sustainable and resilient papakāinga that preserve connections to the whenua, to promote a thriving community, and build a climate-resilient future for the tamariki and mokopuna.
Next Steps
Join us for our next hui!
