Waimeha Stream

The Waimeha Stream is a spring-fed former branch of the Waikanae River which flows through Waikanae and discharges to the Tasman Sea at the northern end of Waikanae Beach near Field Way. The Ngarara Stream connects to the Waimeha close to the mouth and drains the hills of Hemi Matenga Reserve before flowing through lowland urban residential areas, farmland, reserves, and wetlands. 

We maintain the channel of the Waimeha Stream where access allows, particularly in public land and reserve areas. Maintenance activities include removing blockages from the channel, such as fallen trees and debris.  

Stream mouth cutting 

Stream mouth cutting and related interventions are carried out when there is a need to protect surrounding residential areas from flooding or stream erosion.  

This work is carried out as a permitted activity under rule R214 of the Greater Wellington Natural Resources Plan (NRP). Interventions are necessary when elevated water levels in the Waimeha Stream increase the risk of flooding to surrounding houses and infrastructure; or when stream erosion threatens undermining private dwellings.  

Because the stream mouth can periodically close due to sand build‑up from coastal processes or deviate towards houses, mechanical opening may be undertaken when thresholds, defined in the NRP, are exceeded and natural opening or realignment is unlikely in the short term.  

The level of service for this activity focuses on reducing flood risk to houses and infrastructure rather than maintaining an open mouth at all times. At the beach, natural stream behaviour is generally allowed to occur, including changes to the stream alignment and localised dune erosion, where this does not create an unacceptable flood or erosion risk to residential homes. 

Greater Wellington and Kāpiti Coast District Council are working together in consultation with mana whenua to clarify roles and decision making around stream mouth interventions. 

For more information about our work at Waimeha Stream, please call 0800 496 734 or email info@gw.govt.nz.