Frequently asked questions

During 2024 Environment Southland reviewed its rating system to ensure it was equitable across all ratepayers, and to better achieve the community outcomes required. The existing system did not support co-ordinated investment in regional resilience, allow region wide management of the river network, or support the use of new methods and tools available.

After community consultation, a two-year transition to a Capital Value (CV) rating system was agreed. You can see the phase 1 decisions made here.

Last year Council indicated it wished to undertake further engagement and consultation regarding whether river management is funded regionally or through a blend of regional/targeted rates over the long-term. This year we are asking people for their preference on whether there is a 100% targeted regional rate (set on regional capital value excluding Waiau), or a regional/local rate – 70% targeted regional rate (set on regional capital value excluding Waiau), 30% targeted local rate (set on capital value of regional/local). In the past, the prevailing belief was that those nearest the rivers were the ones who benefitted from river management, because it helped protect their properties. The belief now is that everyone benefits, as the region needs river management to function.

River management includes keeping river channels clean and protecting and stabilising riverbanks. It pays for the ongoing, cumulative damage from smaller flood events. Stop banks are the primary asset for larger and rarer events, while the purpose of river maintenance work is ensuring channel capacity for efficient flood flow which lowers the risk to the primary stop bank assets. Effective river management is essential for protecting both individual properties and the maintenance of operations of regional infrastructure such as roads, bridges, airports, waste and water services and hospitals.

River management is currently funded 50% regional rate (capital value), 50% targeted catchment rate (land value), excluding Waiau. River edge protection maintenance contributions vary across different rating districts.

A shift towards more proactive, region-wide management and funding will help improve resilience against flood risks, and promote cost-effective and sustainable solutions. Currently, flood protection and river management funding is based on localised rating districts. Council has indicated a shift to a region-wide funding model, similar to how flood protection assets are funded based on capital value. A regional rate would provide a stable funding source, allowing for long-term planning and more consistent service delivery. The effects of river management extend beyond adjacent landowners, with flood events impacting regional GDP, water quality, and infrastructure. The entire community benefits from river management, so a region-wide funding approach makes more sense rather than placing the burden solely on riverside property owners. It plays an important part in protecting people’s livelihoods and the region’s economy, which has a GDP of $7.3 billion.

The model would enhance the ability to deliver downstream benefits, such as projects that slow water flow and reduce flood risks for communities further down the catchment. Catchment works would operate cost-benefit analysis to determining whether upstream interventions (e.g., detention dams) are more cost-effective than stop bank upgrades. Council will clearly define its responsibilities. This approach aligns with council objectives related to water quality, biosecurity, and biodiversity, reinforcing the need for a unified strategy across Southland’s catchments. A key issue is the potential increase in demand for services if rating boundaries are removed. The priorities would not necessarily shift as risk reduction (protecting people, property, and critical infrastructure) would remain the highest priority.

Regardless of the river management funding option that Council decides on, Catchment Liaison Committees (CLCs) would remain an important contributor to river management activity. The eight CLCs of Environment Southland are comprised of representatives in the respective catchments and are elected annually by their communities. In their role they assist in the development of Environment Southland’s catchment work plans and programmes, and associated budgets, by providing important local knowledge and advice on river works and flood management in their catchments. They also provide an important local contact for each river community regarding special river and land drainage management issues. Council, as the asset manager and responsible party for river management, holds the ultimate responsibility and liability.

River management work and stop banks protect more than just those who live near rivers. Floods can be felt across wide areas, while accelerated erosion can changes the course of the river and threaten other assets or other infrastructure. Land use has changed significantly. Town boundaries have shifted. People are now living in different areas, and they're living in those areas because flood protection assets allow them to. Asset management and flood protection schemes cannot be treated in isolation. They need to be considered as a programme of work as a whole. For example, the stop banks are there for when the water peaks, but we need the river’s flood carrying capacity maintained all of the time.

We will continue to work on the main channels of our major rivers as we have in the past. Council can't fix everything on every property, so we need a clear definition of what the council's role is going to be and what the ratepayers' roles and responsibilities are. For example, on some tributaries to major rivers, we might be offering solutions such as detention bunding or detention dams, or using old channels as storage for storage capacity. For upstream or tributary work where there's less benefit to protecting people and property or downstream community, we would be offering support and advice. We could also be supporting their work through our contract market.

The Waiau catchment is covered by a special funding arrangement with Meridian Energy. Since the rating system was established, Meridian has provided funding through a mitigation agreement that runs with its consents relating to the operation of the Manapouri Power Scheme. Environment Southland established a rating district system for the Lower Waiau River in 1998 for catchment works.

There are a range of parties who hold differing and valid perspectives on issues relating to gravel management. In some places, a build-up of gravel can create risks of flooding, erosion and damage to infrastructure, but in other cases, provides benefits such as habitat for aquatic species and birds. As well as localised build-ups of gravel, we have also seen a deficit of gravel in the lower reaches of some rivers, particularly the Oreti River. A more holistic approach to river management is key to better environmental outcomes, however there are measures that can be taken in the short-term to support gravel management in particular locations. A key aspect is an understanding of the volume and distribution of gravel in Southland rivers. We are undertaking several actions to progress the development of a strategic approach to gravel management. Read more here.

River channel maintenance is as critical as stop bank maintenance, as it ensures floodwaters can flow efficiently. Rivers can lose 20-30% flood-carrying capacity due to gravel accumulation, willows, and lack of berm maintenance. A well-maintained river channel reduces the frequency and impact of surface flooding, road closures, and community disruptions - restoring flood carrying capacity. It’s a more active approach to river channel management and reducing the reliance on rock work.

Edge protection prevents erosion, helping to protect productive land, water quality, and infrastructure such as bridges and roads. Traditionally, rock work has been used to stabilise riverbanks, but increasingly softer engineering solutions are being considered, including willow planting and gravel management, which have can have lower costs, and additional environmental benefits. Erosion and damage to flood assets can be reduced, minimising long-term costs.