619 days ago

Westport disaster a ‘bottom of the cliff’ approach — new report

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

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 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."

More messages from your neighbours
2 hours ago

Live Q&A: Garden maintenance with Crewcut

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

This Wednesday, we're having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with John Bracewell from Crewcut.

John Bracewell, former Black Caps coach turned Franchisee Development Manager and currently the face of Crewcut’s #Movember campaign, knows a thing or two about keeping the grass looking sharp—whether it’s on a cricket pitch or in your backyard!

As a seasoned Crewcut franchisee, John is excited to answer your lawn and gardening questions. After years of perfecting the greens on the field, he's ready to share tips on how to knock your garden out of the park. Let's just say he’s as passionate about lush lawns as he is about a good game of cricket!

John is happy to answer questions about lawn mowing, tree/hedge trimming, tidying your garden, ride on mowing, you name it! He'll be online on Wednesday, 27th of November to answer them all.

Share your question below now ⬇️

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6 days ago

Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.

What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?

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When should the tree go up? 🎄
  • 4.7% Second half of November
    4.7% Complete
  • 43.6% 1st December
    43.6% Complete
  • 17.4% A week before Christmas
    17.4% Complete
  • 33.2% Whenever you wish
    33.2% Complete
  • 1.1% Other - I'll share below
    1.1% Complete
2322 votes
5 days ago

What's your favourite tomato recipe?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.

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