Construction of new flood mitigation works at Graham's Creek near Tairua is set to commence this week.

Waikato Regional Council's Hauraki Coromandel catchment management team leader Emily O'Donnell says a blessing of the construction site took place last Friday ahead of this week's start.

New flood mitigation works at Graham's Creek near Tairua begins this week. Photo: File

'This is great news for the local community,” says Emily.” The work, when completed, will allow people in this area to sleep easier.

'The final design is a credit to the community members and council staff who were a part of this process.”

Emily says the importance of partnerships was recognised at last week's pre-construction meeting when community representatives acknowledged the support and efforts of staff from the regional council.

Thames-Coromandel District Council, which is managing the Manaia Road bridge and causeway upgrade section of the works, has also played a key role, she adds.

'The design of the works combines the best engineering knowledge and options with creative thinking to ensure preservation of the local indigenous environment.”

The floodway improvement works will both reduce the impact of flooding and improve the natural environment.

The regional council is responsible for the floodway improvement works, such as the stop banks, weir, floodgate, stream diversion and floodway. These are key in helping protect people and their properties from flooding.

The first phase of works includes sediment control and erosion protection structures commences this week.

'This supports the larger construction works to ensure no sediment impacts the downstream wetland and harbour.”

The first phase will be completed prior to Christmas with the second phase commencing after the peak summer period in mid-February.

Flood protection works on the Manaia Causeway in Tairua got underway earlier in October. Photo: File