Canterbury’s flood protection network is getting a significant upgrade. The Government announcing $21.5 million in co-funding to fast-track nine priority river protection projects across the region.

The investment aims to strengthen Canterbury’s resilience against future extreme weather events. A growing concern as climate change intensifies rainfall and river flooding risks.

Of the total funding, $6.6 million will go towards accelerating flood resilience works in Mid and South Canterbury, including key riverbanks and stopbank reinforcements designed to safeguard local communities, farmland, and transport routes.

Environment Canterbury (ECan) chair Peter Scott welcomed the announcement. Calling it a “timely and vital investment” that will help protect both people and productivity.

“Recent storms have shown just how vulnerable some parts of the region are. These projects will make a real difference in keeping our communities safer,” Scott said.

The co-funded projects will be delivered in collaboration between local councils, iwi partners. Regional authorities, with work expected to begin within months.

Officials say the accelerated programme will not only improve long-term flood protection. But also create local jobs and support the regional economy.

With Canterbury’s rivers among the most dynamic and flood-prone in the country, the move is being hailed as a major step toward future-proofing New Zealand’s critical infrastructure in the face of increasing climate challenges.