DIY is a time-honoured tradition for every Kiwi, but before you “dig in” this summer, Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council is reminding landowners living near flood protection or drainage assets to check if they need a Bylaw Authority under the Flood Protection and Drainage Bylaws before starting any works.

This includes stopbanks, floodwalls, drains and pump stations.

A Bylaw Authority is written permission from the regional council that includes conditions to ensure these flood protection and drainage assets are not accidentally damaged by works on your property.

Residents who live in or own a property next to or near a regional council owned or managed flood protection or drainage assets may be in a Bylaw Applicable Area and, therefore, need a Bylaw Authority before completing work on your property.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council rivers and drainage assets manager Kirsty Brown said these bylaws don’t exist to stop anyone from doing work on their land, but they help ensure any work doesn’t accidentally affect the integrity of the reigon’s flood protection and drainage infrastructure assets.

“Flood protection and drainage assets are our first line of defence when it comes to keeping communities safe during large flood events. It is crucial that they function properly when needed,” Brown said.

“A tree or post near a stopbank, or a structure in a drain, can compromise the functionality of these flood defences and put them at risk of failure when we need them most.”

The Flood Protection and Drainage Bylaws, which came into effect in 2021, have different rules for different parts of the rohe (region).

Brown’s advice for those who are unsure was to check before you dig, plant or build. “Visit our website, give us a call or send us an email – it’s better to be safe than sorry."

To find out if you live in a Bylaw Applicable area, visit: boprc.govt.nz/bylaw-authority.

Members of the public can also reach out for information specific to their property by emailing: riversanddrains@boprc.govt.nz.