15 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.

More messages from your neighbours
5 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?
  • 80.1% Yes
    80.1% Complete
  • 19.6% No
    19.6% Complete
  • 0.3% Other - I'll share below
    0.3% Complete
1455 votes
41 minutes ago

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

Alan Storage from Kiwi Self Storage - Newlands

As autumn progresses, people prepare for winter by decluttering and organizing their homes. Self storage is a valuable tool for freeing up space in your home.
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Call us, visit us online or come in and see us.
04 478 4786
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1 day ago

Vacancies at Volunteer Wellington

The Team from Volunteer Wellington

🌟Two opportunities to join our team! 🌟

➡️ Manager Member Services
This is a part time role working 25 hours per week.

In this busy and varied role, you will be managing and developing our member services programme which will include expanding the membership base, raising the profile of the volunteer sector, and developing meaningful relationships with key organisations.

Bringing experience across the NFP/Volunteer sector will be the foundation to your success. You will be experienced in managing and developing a member services programme, be proactive, truly believe in the value of volunteering and have a strong community focus.

You will be required to work all day Monday and Wednesdays with the rest of the hours to be negotiated around what works for you. Working in a small team of 8 passionate people, you will have a great level of support and assistance around you, to deliver great results.

The day-to-day responsibilities will include: leading the Member Services Programme; retaining and growing membership; developing and delivering resources; attending events and evaluating the service offerings of our organisation.

The preferred candidate will: have experience working in a NFP/NGO/Charitable organisation; have a passion for volunteering with experience or exposure to volunteer services; with strong communication skills and exceptional customer service.

If this sounds like an opportunity you would like to discuss further and you have the relevant skills and experience, we would love to hear from you. Please apply via the Forte Recruitment link below:
🌐 forterecruitment.co.nz...

➡️ Coordinator Preparation for Employment programme

Fixed term contract: 20 hours per week

Are you someone who enjoys making a difference in people's lives?

We are seeking a part time Coordinator for our successful Preparation for Employment Programme on a one year fixed term contract from 1 June 2024 to July 2025. You will work closely with people on a main Work and Income benefit and support them into volunteering as a pathway into employability. Our goal is to help remove some of the barriers to sustainable employment for our clients and we know volunteering is a great pathway towards this. You will be required to work all day Monday and Wednesdays with the rest of the hours to be negotiated around what works for you.

Primary Objectives of the role include: engaging with, and motivating our Work and Income clients to identify their strengths and overcome their barriers to employment; accurately recording information and fulfill accountability reporting criteria. Building relationships with key Work and Income staff and with our community membership is essential to develop meaningful support to the clients.

To be successful in this role you will have: motivational interviewing interviewing skills; experience with one to one mentoring; empathy and an ability to motivate and build confidence in clients; an awareness of the complexities and impacts of being out of the paid workforce. And above all patience, perseverance, and a positive attitude. If this sounds like you please apply via the seek link below:

🌐 tinyurl.com...

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