Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Local Govt | National News Video | Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Search

 

Waitara flood protection scheme protects the area

Waitara flood protection scheme protects the area


The Waitara flood protection scheme coped relatively easily against last weekend’s flood, says the Taranaki Regional Council.

“At its highest the river level in Waitara during last weekend’s 19-21 June flood was a one-in-16-year flow,” says the Council Chief Executive Basil Chamberlain.

“This was a moderate flow, rather than a large flood in Waitara, and a relatively minor test for the protection works. The upgrade is in its final stages to protect the town from a one-in-100-year standard,” he said.

Mr Chamberlain says the value of the Waitara upgrade, and the earlier Lower Waiwhakaiho upgrade to a similar 100-year standard, can be measured from the flooding in Whanganui. Its stopbanks, which were recently upgraded to an inadequate one-in-50-year standard, were overwhelmed by last weekend’s one-in-85-year flood. The consequences of that decision had proved costly

“The $3 million upgrade project to boost Waitara’s flood protection is designed to protect the town from such damage. The Council is determined to see the upgrade completed to the highest reasonable standard and to be as resilient as possible.

“A one-in-100-year flow is estimated at around 3,800 cubic metres per second which is more than twice the highest flow measured at 1,640 cubic metres last weekend. A one-in-100-year flood would be about three metres higher, with a substantially higher flow velocity.

“Following the recent floods there has been continued discussion around the decision to remove some pohutukawa trees to upgrade the scheme.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

“The Council is determined that the Waitara flood scheme copes at its optimum design level. The pohutukawa trees were removed to strengthen the resilience of the flood protection upgrade and its ability to perform against really large floods, which would devastate Waitara if the defences fail.

“We’re made big investments in flood protection at Waitara and the Lower Waiwhakaiho, and it’s clear that these were the right decisions. The Council is absolutely committed to giving the Waitara people and businesses the level of flood protection they deserve,” says Mr Chamberlain.

ends

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines



Gordon Campbell: On Dune 2, And Images Of Islam


Depictions of Islam in Western popular culture have rarely been positive, even before 9/11. Five years on from the mosque shootings, this is one of the cultural headwinds that the Muslim community has to battle against. Whatever messages of tolerance and inclusion are offered in daylight, much of our culture tends to be hostile to Islam when we’re sitting in the dark, with popcorn.
Any number of movie examples come to mind, beginning with Rudolf Valentino’s role (over a century ago) as the romantic Arab hero in The Sheik...
More


 
 


Government: One-stop Shop Major Projects On The Fast Track

The Coalition Government’s new one-stop-shop fast track consenting regime for regional and national projects of significance will cut red tape and make it easier for New Zealand to build the infrastructure and major projects needed to get the country moving again... More

ALSO:


Government: GPS 2024: Over $20 Billion To Get Transport Back On Track
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has released the draft Government Policy Statement (GPS) on Land Transport, outlining the Coalition Government’s plan to build and maintain a transport system that enables people to get to where they need to go quickly and safely... More

ALSO:

Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.