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From local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
Westport is an example of a 'bottom of the cliff' approach to disaster response and recovery, according to a new report.
Te Uru Kahika, representing the country's regional and unitary council sector, is advocating the Government … View moreFrom local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
Westport is an example of a 'bottom of the cliff' approach to disaster response and recovery, according to a new report.
Te Uru Kahika, representing the country's regional and unitary council sector, is advocating the Government co-invest in a whole range of projects to reduce flood risk to communities.
As Westport waits with bated breath for an answer on the $56 million proposed flood scheme, Te Uru Kahika says it is not clear how the Government intends to address the case.
"Te Uru Kahika members remain totally supportive of the West Coast councils' request for Government co-investment of $45m," the report says.
The business case was lodged last June following a request in February 2022 from then Local Government Minister Nania Mahuta for a co-investment proposal.
Te Uru Kahika describes the Westport case as "a fair cost share".
It asked that it considered together with a broader scheme, which would require the Government to put up $257m to accelerate 92 proposed flood schemes across the country.
"There is an overwhelming national interest in Government assisting to resolve Aotearoa's flood protection challenge."
It suggests the Government partner with the sector by:
-Firstly, committing $257m in the 2023 budget alongside regional council co-investment to collaborate on delivery of a three-year programme of 92 "carefully selected" flood protection projects worth a total of $428m;
-Committing to a long term "collaborative, multi-tool, and well funded" co-investment approach to build resilience against flood risks.
The report said Westport was "a regretful example" of a bottom of the cliff response and recovery, as opposed to the other scheme proposals captured under the $257m co-investment request.
It says floods are New Zealand's No 1 natural hazard and are escalating, consistent with international trends.
The regional and unitary council sector already invested about $200m a year to sustain and improve flood infrastructure. But that investment, with other flood mitigation measures undertaken by councils, could not on their own provide the security and risk mitigation/community resilience now expected of flood schemes.
Increased co-investment alongside broader measures would be required to meet the challenge.
"A step change is required. Measured urgency is needed to adapt existing flood protection measures to be fit to meet present and future risk management expectations. It is clearly in the
national interest that these adaptations occur."
Increased Government and council co-investment was required, and accelerating climate-induced high magnitude floods meant that "now is the time for action".
Te Uru Kahika said it had been attempting to push the case for Government co-investment in flood protection schemes since at least
2018.
"Our efforts have been well received but we are yet to secure the longer-term decisions, co-investment funding and partnership certainty."
We can see you're paying a lot for your broadband each month (we'll have some helpful advice on that soon)! Now let's shine the spot light on Power! The other BIG bill Kiwis are juggling.
We know usage can fluctuate quite a bit meaning so would your bill but to keep it simple, … View moreWe can see you're paying a lot for your broadband each month (we'll have some helpful advice on that soon)! Now let's shine the spot light on Power! The other BIG bill Kiwis are juggling.
We know usage can fluctuate quite a bit meaning so would your bill but to keep it simple, how much does your power bill usually come to?
From local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
The West Coast Regional Council is taking formal steps to remove Allan Birchfield as chairperson.
In a public notice to be published on Wednesday, the chief executive has called an extraordinary meeting for March 28 "to make decisions on the… View moreFrom local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
The West Coast Regional Council is taking formal steps to remove Allan Birchfield as chairperson.
In a public notice to be published on Wednesday, the chief executive has called an extraordinary meeting for March 28 "to make decisions on the removal" of Birchfield from the chair.
Unlike the mayoralties, the regional council chair's role is internally elected from within the seven-member council.
It's understood a letter requesting the meeting was signed by all six other councillors and was lodged with the chief executive in the first week of March.
Birchfield was caught out by the news.
"I wasn't made aware. Someone probably should have told me that that's what they were going to do... we'll see how it unfolds," he said on Tuesday.
However, he noted there would have to be four signatures for the process to remove him as chairman.
"They will have to go through the formal process."
Birchfield indicated he at this stage had no intention of resigning: "If they want me to go they will have to follow the proper process".
He preferred not to comment on whether he was disappointed.
"I'd be interested to know who the signatures are," he said.
Acting chairperson Peter Haddock declined to comment on whether intended to stand for the role full-time.
However, as the meeting opened he did lodge an apology for Birchfield's ongoing absence.
Mabin said she received a formal request to start the process on March 2.
"I got a formal request so I'm now going through the process... I now have to action it within 14 days. There is a formal motion."
If that was ratified on March 28 then council would make a formal decision on the election of a new chairman, including a protocol for that, before an internal election, Mabin said.
This comes after Birchfield went on leave in December for three months, which both he and Haddock maintained was due to his health.
However, his leave of absence immediately followed a tumultuous period at the council with the relationship between council's business unit VCS and Birchfield's Minerals Ltd again under scrutiny in relation to the sale and consenting of the mothballed Grey Valley gold dredge.
At the same time -- on the day the new council was sworn in after the October local body elections and Birchfield was re-elected as chairman -- Mabin indicated her intention to resign.
His two main opponents from the previous triennium, previous Westland councillors Stuart Challenger and Debra Magner, both lost their seats at the election and the new council -- on paper -- appeared to consolidate Birchfield's strength after a previous effort to roll him was thwarted last year.
Know the friendliest barista around? Does your mechanic always go the extra mile? Got a lawn-mowing legend? Hairdresser hero?
Give your favourite local business the recognition they deserve by nominating them in the 2023 Prospa Local Business Hero awards.
There's been hundreds of … View moreKnow the friendliest barista around? Does your mechanic always go the extra mile? Got a lawn-mowing legend? Hairdresser hero?
Give your favourite local business the recognition they deserve by nominating them in the 2023 Prospa Local Business Hero awards.
There's been hundreds of incredible entries already but don't forget to nominate your local this week. The recognition will make their day (and they're in with a chance to win a $10,000 package!).
Share a few words about your favourite local now.
Your home is your sanctuary, and that’s why Ryman villages are designed to be safe havens.
We’ve prepared for adverse events, so you don’t have to.
Your safety and your family’s peace of mind are our priority. Every Ryman village has staff available 24/7 and backup generators for … View moreYour home is your sanctuary, and that’s why Ryman villages are designed to be safe havens.
We’ve prepared for adverse events, so you don’t have to.
Your safety and your family’s peace of mind are our priority. Every Ryman village has staff available 24/7 and backup generators for emergencies. If something happens, you’re in safe hands.
We’ll take care of everything and make sure that you have what you need.
If you or a loved one are over 70, Ryman has a range of options from emergency accommodation through to townhouses or apartments available to purchase.
Internet is something we need these days for work, study, keeping in touch with loved ones or just to watch a movie! It's another bill to manage right?!
With the cost of living rising, we want to know how much your broadband bill is setting you back each month?
Every month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are still on the hunt for amazing and inventive jerusalem artichoke recipes! Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by March 26, 2023. Every published recipe wins a copy of the May issue of NZ … View moreEvery month, NZ Gardener runs a series of tested reader recipes using a seasonal crop. We are still on the hunt for amazing and inventive jerusalem artichoke recipes! Send your best ones to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by March 26, 2023. Every published recipe wins a copy of the May issue of NZ Gardener.
We're all mostly familiar with Kate Sheppard's role in the women's suffrage movement (and her face on the $10 note) and you've likely heard of the bold, Jean Batten. But who else should not be forgotten? Tell us why!
Let's celebrate Women's History month as well as … View moreWe're all mostly familiar with Kate Sheppard's role in the women's suffrage movement (and her face on the $10 note) and you've likely heard of the bold, Jean Batten. But who else should not be forgotten? Tell us why!
Let's celebrate Women's History month as well as International Women's Day (this Wednesday) by sharing some of the lesser-known, inspiring women who've played a part in New Zealand's history.
Share your thoughts below for the We Say You Say column of the local paper - write NFP if you wish your comments to be excluded.
From local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
A "moderate flood" in the Wanganui River was today running through farms near Harihari, just two days after the West Coast Regional Council received a strong warning from locals at a stormy on-site meeting.
The river pushed through a … View moreFrom local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
A "moderate flood" in the Wanganui River was today running through farms near Harihari, just two days after the West Coast Regional Council received a strong warning from locals at a stormy on-site meeting.
The river pushed through a hole in the stopbank on the north side, on the edge of the leasehold farm of Bernard Walkington at Evans Creek.
Walkington estimated about 100ha of his farm was affected this morning.
The river was also flowing through the farm of his downstream neighbour, dairy farmer and West Coast Regional councillor Andy Campbell, whose land adjoins Lake Ianthe.
Walkington said it was only a moderate event after heavy rain yesterday, but the effect on his farm was "really bad".
The regional council does not measure the Wanganui River but the headwaters of the Whataroa River, about 35km south, received 79mm in the 24 hours until 10.30am today.
Walkington said he feared the worst once the floodwaters had receded, expecting to see a trail of silt, gravel and crushed fences.
It came about because the regional council had "failed them" on fixing the stopbank damaged by flooding at Waitangi Weekend.
By this morning the hole in the stopbank looked to have widened from about 90m to between 200 and 300m, he said.
"The engineer came down on February 6 and stated that job was top priority and needed to be fixed immediately. Four weeks later and it's still sitting there," Walkington said.
"Someone from council needs to be accountable for the loss of land and income. Someone obviously has said 'no, we're not fixing it'."
From what he could see today, quite a bit of the river's main channel was flowing across the lower part of his farm and into the Campbell property.
While facing a substantial loss to his milk cheque, the property owner and the Campbells would really be "hit in the pocket" to restore the pasture.
Walkington said there appeared to have been substantial loss to pasture, fence and stockwater lines on his farm, with shingle and other debris washed through.
It would have to be managed carefully with over 800 head of stock on the farm.
"No use crying over spilt milk now but it is a bit of a devastating event for us and our neighbours."
He had heard that council engineering staff were on their way to Hari Hari this morning.
While it had stopped raining it was "fingers crossed" the headwaters were not receiving more rain.
Campbell was meeting with council staff when approached for comment this morning.
Acting chairperson Peter Haddock said he was "really disappointed" at what had now happened.
He understood from Campbell the river had run through but his property but may not have scoured.
Haddock said the council had ordered emergency repairs on the south bank since Tuesday and had a contractor engaged to fix the north bank.
Wanganui River rating district member Mary Molloy said the overnight event was "entirely predictable".
A month of unprecedented low flows since the Waitangi Weekend flood meant it was only a matter of time, she said.
"It could've happened any time in that month period. It is very irresponsible of the regional council -- for whatever reason."
Molloy slated it back to the council, which had "stopped our rating scheme from working properly".
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Join Emile Donovan and Imogen Wells for your daily dose of exclusives, analysis and fresh perspectives on news.
The podcast drops each weekday from 6am on newsable.co.nz or listen on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your pods.
From local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
An application has been lodged to divert the Waiho (Waiau) River at Franz Josef as part of the stalled $12.5 million north bank flood protection scheme.
The West Coast Regional Council is applying to itself for the temporary diversion of the … View moreFrom local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
An application has been lodged to divert the Waiho (Waiau) River at Franz Josef as part of the stalled $12.5 million north bank flood protection scheme.
The West Coast Regional Council is applying to itself for the temporary diversion of the river from below the State Highway 6 bridge to the glacial moraine, where the Waiho and Tatare riverbeds converge.
“The proposed diversion is to allow gravel extraction, and stopbank construction ... in dry riverbed and to prevent any potential scour of temporary works during the construction phase,” consultant Davis Ogilvie says on behalf of the council.
The applications relate to two separate flood protection works under the stage one north bank scheme: the Franz Josef stopbank and the Tatare River stopbank.
The application notes that the Waiho riverbed has been aggrading at 18cm a year in recent decades.
Flood protection improvement was deemed a priority following the 2016 flood causing after it caused $30m of damage. In March 2019 the state highway bridge was swept away following 400mm of rain was also a factor.
“A $24m package was approved by the Government in July 2020, as part of the Covid-19 economic stimulus package. The work included $18m for rock embankments on the north and south banks, and $3.8m to raise the level of the highway bridge.”
The regional council let a contract to Greymouth contractor MBD for the north bank work nearly a year ago.
The proposed river diversion is from the bridge down past the township and beyond the Westland District Council's wastewater treatment plant.
Temporary diversion of water for up to two years within the bed of the Waiho River is also sought.
The main project is currently stalled after the regional council failed to get affected party approval from the Scenic Circle Hotel Group.
In the latest application the three affected parties identified are the Department of Conservation (DOC), Fish and Game, and Te Rūnanga o Makaawhio.
DOC had already responded it had no concerns apart from the unprotected bank on the south side of the river below Canavans Knob.
DOC said the unprotected bank below Canavans had been “a real safety issue” for property and life in a number of recent floods.
“If the river is trained away from the north — then the probability of it being more likely to impact this bank is increased.”
The department said it would like to see armouring put in place and the Canavans stopbank upgraded significantly to mitigate the risk prior to the river diversion/training.
“This isn't so much a conservation concern as a community and Civil Defence issue,” DOC said.
Davis Ogilvie notes consent for the north bank scheme was independently lodged on March 3 last year and was currently on hold.
Likewise, an application for gravel extraction associated with the stopbanks construction had been independently lodged last month but was also on hold.
Consent to disturb the bed and banks of the Waiho River to the Tatare stopbank was granted in October 2022 along with a discharge consent for incidental sediment into the Waiho River from the Tatare stopbank construction.
Land use consent had already been sought to raise all existing flood protection banks on the north side by 2m, along with consent to extract gravel from the dry riverbed for raising the existing stopbanks and extending them.
From local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
A total of 534 public submissions were received for the proposed Te Tai o Poutini Plan (TTPP), a combined district plan for the West Coast.
TTPP project manager Jo Armstrong updated the committee last week, noting that about 20 late submissions … View moreFrom local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
A total of 534 public submissions were received for the proposed Te Tai o Poutini Plan (TTPP), a combined district plan for the West Coast.
TTPP project manager Jo Armstrong updated the committee last week, noting that about 20 late submissions which had been accepted by the chairperson.
So far 427 submissions had been summarised, with hearings to be held later in the year.
With over 100 submissions yet to
be summarised some delay was expected in completing the
submissions summary for the committee due to the availability of
the principal planner, who was
affected by the Hawke's Bay cyclone damage.
"I think there is a likelihood in light of having lost (time with) our
principal planner due to Cyclone Gabrielle that we will not have a summary by March 30."
Former West Coast Regional Council planning and science manager Rachel Vaughan had been engaged in the meantime.
Armstrong said the submissions yet to be summarised covered a broad spectrum of the plan, and some represented large organisations or groups.
Natural hazard rules and maps attracted nearly 100 submissions while there had been 185 rezoning requests — mainly related to the intersection of rural zones and other areas.
This was "not unexpected at all" given the amount of land rezoned under the proposed plan.
Armstrong suggested prehearing meetings with those submitters
would be a way of managing that workload.
She said there was also a lot of support for the plan.
Sites and areas of significance to Maori drew more than 55 submissions, and historic heritage 25.
It's time to make their day in return! There's been hundreds of incredible nominations in this year's Prospa Local Business Hero Awards already - but have we got yours?
Give your favourite local business owner the recognition they deserve by nominating them in the … View moreIt's time to make their day in return! There's been hundreds of incredible nominations in this year's Prospa Local Business Hero Awards already - but have we got yours?
Give your favourite local business owner the recognition they deserve by nominating them in the 2023 Prospa Local Business Hero Awards including a incredible package worth $10,000. Just share a few words about why they make your community a better place to live.
Your favourite local will thank you!
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