In limbo Waiho Flat residents may get clarity soon
By local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon
Waiho Flat residents in limbo for years over their futures due to worsening gravel build-up in the Waiho (Waiau) River may have a clearer path within eight weeks.
West Coast Regional Council chief executive Darryl Lew said on Thursday he accepted a special rating district meeting for Franz Josef and Waiho River ratepayers was "well overdue".
But work under way this week to formulate a strategic approach to the river should help pave the way forward.
He made the comment on day two of a workshop of hydrology, engineering and river modelling experts in a technical advisory group (TAG) focused on Franz Josef.
Lew said they had all previously studied the Waiho River and as a group had visited the riverbank on Wednesday before returning to Greymouth on Thursday to draft options to address both "old and new issues to feed into a report for the future".
He clarified his comment yesterday that all flood protection work on the Waiho was "on hold" while the options were drafted.
"I want to be very clear, while there is additional planning work required for the future management of this river, infrastructure works under way now will continue to progress."
The already approved stage 1 work under the $24 million Waiho protection scheme on the north bank was continuing as planned, providing a new link bank down from the Franz Josef heliport.
However, work on a further low bank to prevent the Waiho from flowing into the adjoining Tatare River was not proceeding as it had not started.
"At the moment we're not working on the Tatare bank — there's no Tatare bank."
Any Tatare solution may fall into a future a stage two scheme but nothing had been decided yet, Lew said.
However, the work of the TAG convened this week could help shape what happened next.
"We're not progressing on any of that new stuff until we get the results of this report."
While convening the panel of experts this week might appear to some as a repeat of past activity given "a huge number" of Waiho reports in the past, "what we are doing now is assessing the new threats that have presented themselves in recent months".
"These may require a new approach for the future."
He said "some of the best minds in New Zealand" were on the ground to formulate a 10-year river management strategy for the regional council to deliver.
"It will not cover infrastructure such as the road, heli-pad, oxidation ponds or the town itself. Decisions around those assets will need to be made, but that comes next."
The report would be drafted over the coming month and then be presented to the regional council, Westland District Council, the NZ Transport Agency and Te Rūnanga o Makaawhio, "before being taken to the community in six to eight weeks' time".
*Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air
Unlock the Answer: Today’s Riddle is Trickier Than You Think!
What English word retains the same pronunciation, even after you take away four of its five letters?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
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.
-
64.2% Yes
-
33.4% No
-
2.4% Other - I'll share below
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
Loading…
