Project Twin Streams is unique in its size and scale. Part of the project involved purchasing properties threatened by flooding. Rivers and streams flood and over time they build up a flood plain (the area beside the banks into which the waterways spread when there is a flood). Flood plains are essential for the health of waterways as they absorb a lot of the extra water to help slow the water’s flow.
Increased housing density (including building houses on the flood plains) and climate change increased the frequency and intensity of flooding to vulnerable houses near streams – causing health risks and danger to local residents.
Project Twin Streams purchased and removed properties to reduce the risk of flood damage and make stream banks more accessible for restoration planting. The removal of these properties together with the additional land acquired from part-purchases allowed the walk and cycleways to be built and new public areas to be opened up, such as the Millbrook Edible Garden on Millbrook Road Esplanade in Oratia and Duck Park in Glen Eden. Areas of reclaimed land not turned into cycleways or public areas are now either esplanade or drainage reserves.