Work begins to repair historic Reefton landfill
Repair work on the river rock wall protecting the historic Reefton landfill began this week.
The Buller District Council said the northern bank of the closed Reefton Landfill was scoured away by the Inangahua River during February 2022's severe weather event, causing waste to be swept away.
Major clean-up and river training works have been ongoing since to prepare for work to shore up the wall to withstand a 1 in a 50-year flood.
Council infrastructure delivery manager Eric de Boer said the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) would contribute nearly $1 million towards the project.
"This NEMA funding will help Buller repair its essential infrastructure following the floods. However, the funding does not extend to strengthening the full length of the wall as some sections were not directly affected by the floods."
The council had resolved to contribute $250,000 to strengthen these remaining sections, meaning the whole project was expected to cost about $1.3m, he said.
The work was being carried out by Reefton-based Rosco Contractors Ltd. It began on Monday and was scheduled to be complete by mid-August.
WSP Consulting Engineers (WSP) designed the remedial work on the landfill and prepared the resource consent application.
The repair would involve 12,000 tonnes of rock being placed into the protection works. The rock would be sourced locally, the council said.
“This is great progress for the community and for the environment as it will see the risk of future damage to the old landfill significantly reduced. A lot of planning and careful consideration has gone into this project, and it is great to see it get underway,” de Boer said.
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Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.
Do you think it's inconsiderate for people to have lengthy phone calls on a bus? Vote in the poll, and add your comments below.
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64.2% Yes
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Paddy Gower seeks ‘bloody great Cantab’
The Kiwi journalist drilling deep into the country’s biggest issues is on a mission to find the local greats.
Paddy Gower is looking for the Good Kiwi in every region to feature in his show, The F@#$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