Supporting long-term flood resilience, ecological restoration and community outcomes along the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor in Christchurch

When a series of devastating earthquakes struck New Zealand’s South Island in 2010 and 2011, they dramatically reshaped Christchurch’s eastern suburbs. Widespread land damage and compromised drainage infrastructure left large sections of the 602-hectare Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor (OARC) uninhabitable, leading to the designation of a Residential Red Zone where residents were no longer able to live.

The OARC Regeneration Plan was created by and signed off by the New Zealand Government, in collaboration with Christchurch City Council in response to the earthquakes, with the aim of regenerating affected land, restoring the river environment and supporting surrounding communities. 

The plan sets out a long-term vision to transform the former Residential Red Zone into an ecology-led river corridor. It integrates flood protection, stormwater management, ecological restoration and public open space to create a resilient, vibrant corridor for current and future generations.  

Jacobs has been appointed by Christchurch City Council to deliver the OARC scheme design for stormwater and park assets, including flood defense infrastructure, wetlands, pump stations, stormwater management areas and park and ecological enhancements. In collaboration with GHD and Boffa Miskell, Jacobs will support the council in delivering enduring, community-focused outcomes.

The design will provide a clear pathway to progress sections of the OARC into preliminary design, support cost and risk assessment, and establish a long-term approach to flood and water quality management over the next 100 years.

“Christchurch’s eastern suburbs were devastated by the earthquakes, with large areas of once‑habitable land rendered unlivable. We’re excited to partner with Christchurch City Council to bring a new vision for the area to life and transform it into a cultural and ecological asset the community can enjoy and be proud of,” says Jacobs Senior Vice President and General Manager Camille McGregor. “By bringing our capabilities in flood resilience, ecological restoration and inclusive placemaking, we’re setting a clear pathway for the regeneration of Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor.”

Community and cultural outcomes

The project delivers on the plan’s objectives, including regenerating nature, living with water and connecting communities. It also reflects the values of Ngāi Tūāhuriri Rūnanga, the local Māori tribal authority, recognizing the river corridor’s cultural significance as a traditional food-gathering area, travel route and place of trade.

Early works enabled by the scheme design will help maintain momentum and meet community expectations for visible progress along the corridor, including:

• Enhanced parks, recreation and public access
• Reduced flood risk to surrounding suburbs
• Improved water quality through large-scale stormwater treatment
• Better health and wellbeing outcomes for local communities

The team is delivering multidisciplinary services, including civil, flood and geotechnical engineering, stormwater treatment design, mechanical and electrical design for pump stations, ecological and hydrogeological services, landscape architecture, public amenities and digital modeling. 

This technical capability is underpinned by deep local knowledge of the Ōtākaro Avon River and long-standing involvement across Christchurch, building a strong understanding of local conditions and community priorities, and supporting a scheme design aligned with Christchurch City Council’s long-term objectives for the corridor.