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 intervention

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. 

The development of a Joint Operational Plan is currently underway with Greater Wellington, Kāpiti Coast District Council (KCDC), and Ātiawa ki Whakarongotai, with an anticipated completion date of July 2026.

In the meantime, to provide the community with greater clarity, KCDC and Greater Wellington have agreed on an interim approach for Waimeha Stream management. Head here to read the full interim approach. (PDF 275 KB)

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

Latest inspections 

We visually inspect the Waimeha Stream mouth every couple of weeks, as well as after storm events or when concerns are raised by the public. During these inspections we observe:  

• The current position of the stream mouth 
• Any significant backing up of water 
• And the location of the dune erosion in relation to private property and public infrastructure.