Auckland's Mayor says storm a wake-up call

The storm that has hit the North Island is a significant wake-up call for Aucklanders, says Mayor Dick Hubbard.

"The storms, flooding and gale force winds that have battered the upper North Island over the last few days have given us a strong warning about the issues we could face from extreme weather events signalled by both the International Panel on Climate Change and the Nicholas Stern report," he says.

"It's times like this that highlight how urgently we need Auckland's stormwater system upgraded," he says, "Our 100 year old pipes simply wouldn't cope with the rainfall experienced up north."

Mayor Hubbard says we also need to focus on localised solutions so that people have access to some power and water on site rather than relying solely on regional systems that, when disrupted, leave thousands at risk.

"I am firmly of the belief that a major investment in rainwater tanks is one solution. It guarantees a secure supply of water and also slows down the water flow in times of heavy down pours."

He also urges for a complete review of our coastal and waterway policies and rules.

"Either we change the way we are doing things to prevent the deterioration of climatic conditions or we learn how to adapt."

"We are currently discussing a sustainability framework for the region. It's time to stop talking. We need to quickly sign that off and get on with the much more important part - the action plan," he says.

ENDS

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