Communities across New Zealand will gain access to faster, more reliable flood warnings with construction now under way in all 10 regions improving their systems, Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson says.

“Sometimes the difference between a near miss and a disaster is time. Whether it's a farmer moving stock, a business protecting assets, or a family getting to safety, even a small amount of extra warning can make a big difference,” Mr Patterson says.

In October 2025 the governmentannounced$7.7 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) for the installation and upgrade of flood early warning infrastructure across 10 regions as part of its RIF investment in flood resilience.

The early warning work involves upgrading flood monitoring infrastructure, including river level sensors, flow gauges, telemetry equipment and surveillance cameras.

“It’s great to see that physical works to install the infrastructure have begun in all participating regions,” Mr Patterson says.

“Currently many regions have limited real-time flood monitoring capability, making it harder for councils, emergency services and communities to respond quickly as conditions change during floods and severe weather.

“These improved systems will support our local communities with earlier warnings and faster decision-making when conditions deteriorate,” Mr Patterson says.

The project is being co-ordinated by Environment Canterbury on behalf of the 10 participating councils. Councils are co-funding 40 percent of the costs, with the Crown covering the remaining 60 percent.

The RIF support for flood resilience also includes a $2.10m investment in the development of a national platform that will help central and local government make more informed decisions about flood resilience investment.

Currently in the detailed design phase, the intention is that this platform will help identify and prioritise flood resilience investments that deliver the greatest benefits to communities.

“Together, these RIF investments will help regions make better-informed decisions, respond earlier, and strengthen resilience when severe weather strikes,” Mr Patterson says.

Councils included:Waikato Regional Council; Taranaki Regional Council; Greater Wellington Regional Council; Tasman Dictrict Council; Nelson City Council; Marlborough District Council; Environment Canterbury; Otago Regional Council; West Coast Regional Council; Environment Southland.