Farms go under — Council ‘failed us’
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 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".
Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.
Do you think it's inconsiderate for people to have lengthy phone calls on a bus? Vote in the poll, and add your comments below.
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64.3% Yes
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33.2% No
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2.5% Other - I'll share below
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Paddy Gower seeks ‘bloody great Cantab’
The Kiwi journalist drilling deep into the country’s biggest issues is on a mission to find the local greats.
Paddy Gower is looking for the Good Kiwi in every region to feature in his show, The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour.
To nominate a Good Kiwi, email reporters@press.co.nz with the name and a description of why your nominee should win. You an also share the local issues you think Paddy needs to tackle in the comments below.
It could be the woman whose knitting circle has made 3800 items for victims of domestic violence, the guy running the length of Aotearoa for mental health, or the woman with terminal cancer who spends her time campaigning to raise awareness and save lives.
“Basically I am looking for ... a bloody great Cantab who just gets on and gets things done. The criteria is somebody who has a positive attitude and makes the community a better place," Gower said.
“I will give this person the 'Big Ups' they deserve, and the community can celebrate them with me.”
A Good Kiwi will feature in each of Gower’s live shows in 14 centres through November and December. He will name the Cantabrian Good Kiwi at his Christchurch show on the evening of Friday, November 22, at St Margaret’s College.
The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour is a sort of book tour, sort of stand-up comedy, some journalistic yarns and memoir, and some motivational speaking - with a fair bit of local in each show.
Gower also wants to know about topics of interest in the region.
“I’m ... going to be taking on a big issue facing Canterbury and offering up solutions.”
A stinky suburb, a neighbourhood needing a round-about or a cathedral in disrepair - “I will make your views count”, he said.
“I'm touring the nation to spread positivity, optimism and good vibes.”
*For tickets to the The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour visit paddygower.co.nz
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