February flood erosion cost mounts
From local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
A "lot of potential work" is seen necessary to repair and improve stopbanks on the Wanganui River flats near Harihari.
The Wanganui River badly damaged rockwalls and eroded farmland during the February flood which also struck Westport.
Already a new protection wall less than 0.5-kilometres long has been built after a huge chunk of farmland on the true right bank of the Wanganui was washed away.
The West Coast Regional Council heard at its May meeting that some of the urgent work was approved by the end of April as an emergency procurement, by the previous director of operations Randal Beal.
The emergency procurement is allowed under council's delegations manual due to natural disasters.
A report to the meeting said verbal quotes were to be confirmed and "availability to start" was the selection criteria.
"Rock lining the wall is a capital cost ... of approximately $100,000 to the adjoining landowners.''
Council engineer James Bell had met with affected landowners from the Wanganui rating district who had confirmed the plan to proceed.
The work had been awarded to Arnold Contracting with onsite stockpiles of rock to be used.
Cr Debra Magner said she had visited the area with regional council staff.
There were two pieces of work to be done, one of which was already under way. The other work would be reliant on rating district approval.
"There's going to be quite a lot of potential work on the Wanganui," Magner said.
Chief executive Heather Mabin said the issue facing the Wanganui rating district linked to a broader issue of how to pay.
From the February flood alone, $326,000 had been spent on emergency works.
"We are very aware that there needs to be a national plan."
Live Q&A: Garden maintenance with Crewcut
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 ⬇️
What's your favourite tomato recipe?
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.
Addictive Eaters Anonymous
What is Addictive Eaters Anonymous?
Addictive Eaters Anonymous (AEA) is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from addictive eating.
AEA has members who have suffered from anorexia, bulimia and binge eating. Many have been underweight, overweight or obese; others were people of average weight yet suffered with an obsession with food. Members may have used exercise and other substances to try and control their weight. Before coming to AEA, members found that they were powerless over food, and unable to stop the food obsession.
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