16 days ago

Officials discuss ways to protect flood-prone beach settlement

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

‘‘Pragmatic’’ solutions have been suggested for a flood prone North Canterbury beach settlement.

Gore Bay, near Cheviot, is a popular coastal holiday spot, but faces threats from flooding and sea level rise.

The Hurunui District Council is creating a coastal adaptation plan for Gore Bay and is working with Environment Canterbury to plan for flood protection for the Jed River and Buxton Creek.

Deputy mayor Vince Daly said the creek and river were prone to flooding in heavy rain events, leaving the Buxton Campground and the coastal road vulnerable to flooding.

‘‘The creek builds up when it is in flood, and the shingle builds up, preventing it from flowing out to sea.’’

Daly said Environment Canterbury presented some ‘‘pragmatic’’ solutions at a recent meeting with Gore Bay / Port Robinson Reserve Advisory Group.

A Hurunui District Council report presented to the Cheviot Community Committee in February said the flood hazard was increasing due to the formation of a lagoon between the river and the creek mouths.

The intensity of recent rain events was increasing the erosion threat to the campground’s banks and to land around the bridge abutments.

Environment Canterbury regional lead river operations, Cliff Thomas, said options presented to the community had exceeded the budget set for the project.

An engineering consultant is now assessing the options and will provide a design for Environment Canterbury staff to consider.

‘‘A channel could be cut to allow the river to let water flows out to the ocean when certain conditions are met, such as flood risk due to high rainfall,’’ Thomas said.

‘‘However, a consent would be required to do this.’’

Longer term sea level rise posed a threat to the access road and to the Buxton and Gore Bay Camping Grounds, Daly said.

‘‘The elevation of the houses means slips are probably a bigger issue for residents than sea level rise, but it does pose a risk to the road.

‘‘This is one of the best Canterbury beaches and it is a very popular spot.’’

The Hurunui District Council began its ‘‘Coastal Conversations’’ project alongside five beach communities in 2020.

Three coastal adaptation plans have been completed for Amberley Beach, Leithfield Beach and Motunau, while the council is also working with the Gore Bay and Conway Flat/Claverley beach communities.

■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

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6 days ago

Poll: Have you ever been bullied?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

People associate bullying with children in schools, but it can actually stretch beyond childhood to workplaces or neighbourhoods.

This Friday is Pink Shirt Day, which began in Canada in 2007 when two students took a stand against homophobic bullying after a new student was harassed for wearing pink. People across the globe are now encouraged to wear pink on this day to take a stand against bullying and promote inclusivity.

Have you or your whānau ever experienced bullying? Share your thoughts on Pink Shirt Day below.

Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.

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Have you ever been bullied?
  • 79.8% Yes
    79.8% Complete
  • 19.9% No
    19.9% Complete
  • 0.4% Other - I'll share below
    0.4% Complete
1606 votes
21 hours ago

Don't leave your belongings out in the cold! Store with us this Autumn!

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Time to put the BBQ in storage

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1 day ago

Bullying Free NZ and pink shirt Day

NZ Red Cross from Red Cross Shop Kilbirnie

We’re supporting bullying Free NZ week! Get ready for pink Shirt Day with Red Cross shops!

Kilbirnie Red Cross has 50% off toys and 50% off all menswear!