Efforts to improve flood protection for farmers in the Galatea area of the Bay of Plenty were due to begin on Monday with the removal of sediment that has built up in the Rangitaiki River.
The regional council says over time sediment has raised the river bed and the water level, which has increased the flood risk to farmers in the district.
The work will involve excavating the river channel and removing approximately 22,000 cubic metres of material that will be stockpiled to form low-level banks and improve access.
The council says the work will provide some protection for landowners against flooding, particularly as winter approaches.
