Highlights of the year

Our flood protection systems were put to the test during the February floods. They held up well – flooding would have been more widespread and damage far greater without the works we’ve done in the past.

The 40-year investment programme for flood protection in the Hutt Valley began. Belmont edge protection works will minimise the risk of riverbank erosion and preparations are underway for the Ava to Ewen river realignment.

Signs of progress have been made in negotiating a new contract with rail operators Toll New Zealand.

A new network of bus services has been introduced in the Hutt Valley. Greater Wellington invested about $1.7 million to increase services provided by more than a third.

The Wellington region recorded its lowest ever level of bovine Tb with only 22 infected deer and cattle herds.

Last year we worked on 65 key native ecosystems in the region, helping out with pest control to improve the condition of the bush.

There has been no change made to next year’s bulk water levy charged to the four city councils.

Annual water supply volumes are gradually increasing while total water use during summer is decreasing. The latest population figures put some pressure on reliability of our supply.

The Regional Outdoors programme of events in regional parks and forests was the most successful ever and despite a wet summer, our visitor numbers remain fairly constant.

Greater Wellington took over the management of East Harbour Regional Park. We began a new ranger service there and put lot of work into bringing the park up to our network standard.

Applications for resource consents went up by a third last year and we dealt with over 1000 pollution incidents.

We’re working with private landowners on several initiatives to enhance streams, rivers and wetlands.

Over 6000 households have joined our new Be the Difference programme and receive regular information packs about ways to help the environment by making small changes to everyday behaviours.