Kiwi Rail greenlights Hokitika flood protection
The next stage in a $7.5 million flood protection scheme for Hokitika - now delayed by 10 months - should get under way soon.
But the West Coast Regional Council will need to beat the all important West Coast whitebaiting season if it is to complete a new floodwall along Hokitika's Gibson Quay, before the season starts on September 1.
The new flood work, from Westland Milk Products factory down to the Hokitika Bridge, is dubbed '1b' in the scheme.
It will link to the first stage completed behind the factory late last winter.
To date council has spent $2.3million of the total current budget of $7,505,226.
In the past 10 months council consultants have been working with Kiwi Rail to gain affected party consent for the 1b stage, given the rail corridor to Westland Milk Products is affected.
The council's Infrastructure Reference Group programme manager, Scott Hoare, said they finally had a green light.
"I have some really good news: we have written approval from KiwiRail," he said.
This earned a "wohoo" from Infrastructure Governance Committee chairperson Frank Dooley.
"Well done," he said.
Hoare said they had been negotiating with the State rail operator since last August.
The matter of extending a small drain in conjunction with the district council was all that had to be covered off now for the final sign-off.
Hoare said the appointed contractor had previously been stood down due to the delay so getting them to remobilise immediately was being negotiated.
The biggest challenge for that was "the start of whitebaiting".
This would be crucial to give an adequate window for the work, Hoare said.
Meanwhile, preparatory work for the third stage, the section to protect the Hokitika town centre, was progressing as well.
Dooley said it was good to read that Kiwi Rail had finally given its blessing.
Hoare said KiwiRail gave verbal advice on April 24 its queries were now resolved.
He subsequently received draft conditions from the rail operator on May 24.
However, the regional council had now requested seepage modelling for the new build, plus closed circuit television of the existing Westland District Council storm water pipes in the area.
Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
-
53.5% Yes
-
46.5% No
‘Tis the season to not get scammed ...
As Christmas gift shopping moves increasingly online, scammers are ramping up their activity across the country.
Dunedin’s Investigation Support Unit is seeing more and more people fall victim to scams and other fraudulent activity, particularly on Facebook Marketplace.
There are a few ways to avoid the scams and keep yourself safe doing online trades this holiday season, says Southern District Service Delivery Manager Senior Sergeant Dalton.
🔒 “A good first step when looking to purchase something on Marketplace is to check when the seller’s Facebook profile was created. If it’s very recent, there is a higher risk that they have just created this account for a one-off fake item.”
🔒 Another important step is to make sure the seller’s profile name and bank account name match up. “We’re seeing a lot of scammers claiming their bank account name is different because it belongs to their partner or family member - that’s a huge red flag."
🔒 “When you’re selling, never trust a screenshot anyone sends you showing that payment has been made. Check your own bank account to make sure a payment has gone through."
🔒 “Quite frankly, it’s best for all parties to agree to pay, or be paid, for items in cash and in-person. Ideally in a public place with CCTV coverage."
🔒 "If you’re buying a car, check Carjam.co.nz to see if it’s stolen or if there’s money owed on it.”
A reminder: Suspicious activity can be reported on 105
Turn Wallpaper Scraps into Beautiful Blossoms
These blossoms made from Resene wallpaper left over after decorating will mean your décor will be blooming gorgeous, no matter the season. Find out how to create your own wallpaper flowers with these easy step by step instructions.
Loading…
