MEDIA RELEASE     

25 July 2008

Environment Waikato on standby following weather warning

Environment Waikato and civil defence agencies are on standby, following a severe weather warning issued by the MetService today.

A low predicted to move over the North Island on Saturday is expected to bring heavy rain, with possible wind gusts and storm surges.

In the Waikato region, the Coromandel Peninsula area is likely to be most affected, and people should closely watch weather forecasts and rivers in their local area.

Environment Waikato, which manages river systems and provides flood warnings, will be monitoring information from its regional network of rainfall and river level monitoring stations this weekend.

“Staff members will be keeping a close eye on the situation and providing information and updates to the appropriate agencies,” Environment Waikato duty emergency management officer Greg Ryan said.

“We have reviewed our river and flood protection systems to ensure they are in good condition and our staff are ready to respond should the situation worsen.  We are liaising with local civil defence units and the Waikato Civil Defence Emergency Management Group to support any response that may be required.”

Information about rainfall and river levels is available on Environment Waikato’s website, www.ew.govt.nz.

It is also available on the following telephone information lines:

Ohinemuri, Kauaeranga and Waihou – 0832 25 334
Piako, Waitoa, Thames tide – 0832 25 335
Waipa, lower Waikato – 0832 25 336
Taupo Basin, Awakino – 0832 25 337

Calls cost 12 cents per minute from a standard telephone.  Calls from cell phones and pay phones are charged at cell phone and pay phone rates.

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For further information, contact:

Stephen Ward

Communications

Environment Waikato

(07) 859 0782

What is Environment Waikato?
Environment Waikato is the regional council for the Waikato region.

The council’s area extends from the Bombay Hills in the north to Mt Ruapehu in the south, and from the mouth of the Waikato River to Mokau on the west coast, across to the Coromandel Peninsula on the east.

The region contains nationally important electricity generation facilities and an internationally significant dairy sector. It is also home to iconic natural features which are key tourist attractions.

Environment Waikato’s responsibilities include:

·       sustainable management of natural and physical resources, including pest control.

·       planning regional growth and transport, and providing bus services.

·       civil defence, emergency response, navigation safety, dam safety, flood management, erosion control and road safety.

       
ends

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