Work is underway to clear woody debris left by Cyclone Gabrielle around the Wairoa district.

Four areas are currently being focussed on:

• BRIDGES - 12 high-priority and 14 medium-priority bridge sites throughout the district
• WAIROA - Pilot Hill and surrounding area, including Whakamahi and McArdle’s culvert, the Railway Bridge and Ngamotu
• MOHAKA - Mohaka River mouth, Willowflat and Waikare
• MAHIA- Mahia and Opoutama beaches, Managwhio lagoon, Oraka and Mahanga

Consultation with affected parties and coordination of contractors has begun, with site visits currently being carried out.

Recovery methods will likely include stacking above the high-water line, carting to waste and mulching.

The clearing focuses on making areas, particularly beaches, accessible for recreational purposes.

The Hawke’s Bay Regional Council project is being assisted by the Wairoa District Council and includes liaising with tangata whenua and communities to draw on local knowledge.

People are encouraged to report areas that need debris removed by following Council’s CSR (Customer Service Request) process either online https://www.wairoadc.govt.nz/contact-us/customer-service-request/or by phoning the Council on 06 838 7309 or calling into the Queen Street office.

Alternatively, phone the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council on 0800 108 838 or visit the regional council website to inform them about an issue or log a job for the regional council to follow up on.

Two funds from Government will support the clean-up of woody debris, including the $10.15m wood debris fund and the $62.6m Sediment and Debris Recovery Fund for commercial entities.

Photo: Work to clear woody debris off bridges and beaches in the Wairoa district is underway. Pictured is clearing work that has started at Whakamahi Beach.

18 July 2023

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