Uncetain future for road access to Franz Josef glacier
From local democracy reporter Lois Williams:
The uncertain future of access to Franz Josef Glacier is up for discussion at today's meeting of the West Coast Regional Land Transport Committee.
The access road and track to the glacier were badly damaged in the storm of March 2019 that cost $4 million in emergency repairs. The work included the construction of a causeway next to the Waiho (Waiau) River as a temporary fix.
But the Department of Conservation (DOC), which owns the road, says there is a high risk of future storm damage and no clear plan for a more permanent or resilient option for the road.
DOC wants funding from the National Land Transport Fund to develop a business case for a long-term solution but needs to have the project listed in the regional transport plan in order to qualify.
DOC is asking the committee for a variation in the plan to include the study, dubbed the 'Franz Josef Access Resilience Single-Stage Business Case'.
The funding requested from the national fund is $200,000 a year to maintain the causeway, and $50,000 a year over two years to prepare the business case.
Work on the study, by DOC and the NZ Transport Agency has already begun and the committee is expected to approve the variation.
Have you seen Rowena?
Police are urgently appealing for sightings of Rowena, 39, reported missing from Christchurch.
She was reported missing to Police on 22 October 2025, and was last seen on 14 August 2025. Rowena hasn’t been in contact with her children and her family are worried for her safety.
Police investigating her disappearance have identified her as being in Auckland, Tauranga and Christchurch in the recent months prior to her missing person report being made.
If you have seen Rowena, or have any information regarding her whereabouts, please contact us immediately.
You can contact us via 105 either over the phone or online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report” and referencing file number 251022/9026.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.
Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔
-
73% We work hard, we deserve a break!
-
17.5% Hmm, maybe?
-
9.5% Yes!
Water Leak
Hi, I have a water leak somewhere just been sent a bill from CCC
It's been going on since May, and I've just been told about it by CCC
Can anyone out there help me find this leak and fix it, please
You can email me at Madcow_46@hotmail.com or phone me on 0272223034
Loading…
