Council apologises for 'avoidable angst' caused by its handling of water scare
A review into the Dunedin City Council’s handling of a lead water issue in three Otago townships has been made public.
The “do not drink” notice for Waikouaiti, Karitane and Hawksbury Village was lifted in July after residents were caught up in a lead scare six months prior.
Residents were unable to use their tap water after elevated levels of lead were found in the water supply, operated by the council.
It was later revealed that there was no widespread lead contamination in the council’s drinking water network, but the elevated levels were likely caused by leaching from privately-owned pipes and fittings.
A report by independent reviewer Ross Tanner, which was released on Wednesday night, will be discussed at the Dunedin City Council next week.
The review identified problems with the council’s initial escalation and notification procedures, including a staff member going on leave before the elevated lead level reading was emailed to their inbox. It meant the council did not know about the reading for some time.
The report noted senior council management, including the chief executive, were blindsided as a major health response unfolded.
Their handling of the situation was compounded by an RNZ interview in which a senior manager incorrectly stated the elevated lead readings were four times the acceptable level, but this was later corrected to 40 times.
“Concern was expressed by the mayor, chief executive, and councillors to whom I spoke that as a consequence of this interview and the mistaken reference, the council had effectively ‘lost control of the (communications) narrative’ and never regained it,” Tanner wrote.
Dunedin mayor Aaron Hawkins said the council had acknowledged, and worked to rectify, areas of concern identified in the review.
Three of the five recommendations had already been implemented, and work on the other two was continuing.
“We accept the presence of elevated lead levels should have been escalated sooner, which would have allowed us to have this very serious conversation with our community sooner, as they deserved.
“This delay caused avoidable angst for our communities and I apologise on behalf of council that this happened.”
The welfare response from council staff, community board representatives and public health authorities was praised in the review.
That included providing temporary safe water tanks and free vegetables to residents in affected communities.
Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.
Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔
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73% We work hard, we deserve a break!
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16% Hmm, maybe?
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11% Yes!
Secure your homes over summer
Police are reminding people to keep their homes secure during the summer months.
Inspector Glenda Barnaby, Christchurch Area Prevention manager, says daytime burglaries are just as common as nightime burglaries.
“Burglaries can be committed at any time of the day, and coming into warmer months there is more opportunity for thieves."
"Although a majority of burglaries involve forced entry through windows and doors, we are starting to see more incidents at insecure premises. Police deal with cases where burglaries are committed in broad daylight, sometimes even while the victim is at home. Good weather means open doors and windows, which makes homes more vulnerable to burglars.”
Inspector Barnaby says there’s a few things people can do to reduce their changes of a burglary being committed.
⚠️ If you’re going outside for gardening, relaxing in the sun, or working in the garage, take a moment to lock your doors and secure your windows first.
⚠️ Do the same at night when you go to bed - keep your doors and windows secure and close your curtains. Fitting window stays means you can get a breeze coming through, while keeping your windows secure.
⚠️ Get to know your neighbours - let them know if you’re going away and look out for one another.”
If you see any suspicious activity, people or vehicles in your neighbourhood, don't hesitate to contact Police.
If you witness or suspect any illegal activity, please call 111 if it is happening now, or make a report through 105 either online or over the phone, if it is after the fact.
Brain Teaser of the Day 🧠✨ Can You Solve It? 🤔💬
How many balls of string does it take to reach the moon?
(Peter from Carterton kindly provided this head-scratcher ... thanks, Peter!)
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!
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