NC councils count the cost of wet July
From local democracy reporter David Hill:
The clean up is under way in North Canterbury after the wettest July on record.
The Hurunui district received more than double its normal July rainfall, while the Waimakariri district was pounded with four times the July average.
Hurunui District Council chief executive Hamish Dobbie said the rain had an impact on the roading network and clean up work was ongoing.
‘‘It wasn’t so much about the flooding, it was the amount of rain.
‘‘It has certainly caused some issues and our staff and contractors are busy with some patch up work until they can resolve the issues.
‘‘We had abnormal rainfall across the district. Cheviot normally gets 80mm in July and it had over 200mm.’’
Staff were still investigating what emergency funding the council might be eligible for.
In the meantime, Dobbie called for patience as staff worked on repairs as quickly as possible.
The Waimakariri District Council approved $3.15 million in funding at last week’s council meeting to assist with the clean up costs and flood works.
Mayor Dan Gordon said the council had a dedicated flood team working on repairs and responding to service requests.
‘‘We are continuing to work with staff to monitor the adequacy of our maintenance contracts.
‘‘There is also the $22m jointly funded, by council and the Government through its Shovel Ready Project fund, work in Kaiapoi on drainage and flood mitigation works.
‘‘This remains a high priority issue for the council.’’
Across the district there were reports of surface flooding on roads, drains being near capacity and a small number of properties had flood waters enter their homes.
The council received more than 1650 calls resulting in 800 requests for support or additional infrastructure during July.
‘‘Although we try, it is impossible to get someone to every single service request on the night,’’ a council spokesperson said.
‘‘That is why, with a triage system in place we can respond first to where we are needed most and work our way down.
Since July, council staff have been processing the 685 drainage and 130 sewer service requests.
This has included on-site visits, discussions with property owners, looking at council infrastructure and putting in place improvements.
Council staff were already working through about 1400 service requests from the May 2021, December 2021 and February 2022 rain events.
A flood team has been established to continue working through these requests, the council spokesperson said.
‘‘It is anticipated that it will take the team at least six months to work through these investigations.
‘‘Normally people can expect a response to service request from council staff within weeks of them contacting us.
‘‘At the moment, depending on the prioritisation of the issue, it may be several months before staff can meet on site with property owners as part of our investigations.’’
Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.
Do you think it's inconsiderate for people to have lengthy phone calls on a bus? Vote in the poll, and add your comments below.
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64.3% Yes
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33.2% No
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2.5% Other - I'll share below
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Paddy Gower seeks ‘bloody great Cantab’
The Kiwi journalist drilling deep into the country’s biggest issues is on a mission to find the local greats.
Paddy Gower is looking for the Good Kiwi in every region to feature in his show, The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour.
To nominate a Good Kiwi, email reporters@press.co.nz with the name and a description of why your nominee should win. You an also share the local issues you think Paddy needs to tackle in the comments below.
It could be the woman whose knitting circle has made 3800 items for victims of domestic violence, the guy running the length of Aotearoa for mental health, or the woman with terminal cancer who spends her time campaigning to raise awareness and save lives.
“Basically I am looking for ... a bloody great Cantab who just gets on and gets things done. The criteria is somebody who has a positive attitude and makes the community a better place," Gower said.
“I will give this person the 'Big Ups' they deserve, and the community can celebrate them with me.”
A Good Kiwi will feature in each of Gower’s live shows in 14 centres through November and December. He will name the Cantabrian Good Kiwi at his Christchurch show on the evening of Friday, November 22, at St Margaret’s College.
The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour is a sort of book tour, sort of stand-up comedy, some journalistic yarns and memoir, and some motivational speaking - with a fair bit of local in each show.
Gower also wants to know about topics of interest in the region.
“I’m ... going to be taking on a big issue facing Canterbury and offering up solutions.”
A stinky suburb, a neighbourhood needing a round-about or a cathedral in disrepair - “I will make your views count”, he said.
“I'm touring the nation to spread positivity, optimism and good vibes.”
*For tickets to the The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour visit paddygower.co.nz
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