Waimakariri mayor seeks clarity on major roading projects

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

An increase in destructive heavy rain events is forcing the Waimakariri District Council to rethink how it responds.

The council has established an infrastructure resilience team to lead flood recovery efforts.

Councillors have also approved $4 million for infrastructure repairs, following a flood event in July 2023, which saw more than 150mm of rain fall over three days.

‘‘We know severe weather events are happening more regularly and during each event we learn more about our stormwater, wastewater and roading networks and where they need be strengthened and investment focused,’’ mayor Dan Gordon said.

‘‘Rather than engaging consultants to work alongside staff, we’ve decided to recruit and put in place a specialist team to work on current known issues and improve the resilience of our entire network.’’

The council received 335 service requests from residents following July’s rain event, compared to more than 800 requests from a more severe rain event last year.

The July rain event led to a precautionary self-evacuation of Tuahiwi at its peak, numerous road closures and widespread surface flooding.

"Residents have told the council they’re concerned about flooding during heavy rain events, especially now they are happening more regularly," Gordon said.

"And they want assurance we’re doing what we can to reduce the likelihood of flooding."

He said the new fund provided a budget to fix known issues and to put skilled people in place as part of an infrastructure resilience team.

The main areas to experience issues from July’s rain event included Cam River/Ruataniwha, the Tuahiwi area, and Waikuku Beach.

There were also road repairs needed, including Lees Valley Rd.

Over the past three years $22.3 million has been spent in Kaiapoi on flood protection works such as pumping stations, drain and culvert improvements and mains replacement.

It was partially funded from the Government’s ‘‘shovel ready", fund.

‘‘We’ve already seen the benefit of these improvements during the July 2023 flooding - known low-lying areas in Kaiapoi remained safe,’’ Mr Gordon said.

‘‘We want to continue to build on this momentum with this new team and new fund.’’

PHOTO: The Ashley River in flood during July's heavy rain event. By John Cosgrove/North Canterbury News

■ Public interest journalism funded through New Zealand on Air.