Flood protection and land drainage are paramount to our role in keeping communities safe in our Region and form a major part of our business. Managing rivers through engineering works allows us to help prevent floods and provide adequate land drainage where necessary. All ratepayers in the Region contribute to flood protection. However, those who live within a Scheme area pay an additional direct rate for the protection they receive. A Scheme is a designated area of land that receives protection from flooding, riverbank erosion and channel movement, and can also include land drainage services. Currently, 71,000 hectares of land and 10 urban areas are included within Scheme areas. For an application form to utilise Horizons' land use consent, download it here. Once your form is completed please return it to gravel@horizons.govt.nz.