This scheme drains the low-lying farmland in the Tokomairiro area around Milton and reduces the impact of flooding on Milton and its surrounds.

The scheme is situated in the flat basin around Milton. It has inland hills on three sides and coastal hills to the southeast. The scheme consists entirely of open drains, with culverts and bridge crossings – it has no pumps or control structures. Many of the drains were originally creeks that have been realigned.