Urgent remediation on Hokitika stopbank: ‘Tomorrow would not be too soon’
From local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon:
The Hokitika River stopbank behind Westland Milk Products has been repaired due to the flooding risk after work for a new Westland District Council stormwater outfall.
The work off Town Belt East was completed last week after the West Coast Regional Council asked for urgent remediation.
Regional council acting chairperson Peter Haddock said earlier this month the top of the bank was a worry due to work on the new stormwater outfall, and the river had already come within 400mm of topping the bank at that point in a flood, Haddock said.
The district council had since topped up the stopbank, he said.
"The council have requested the Westland District Council, who put the stormwater pipe through, to raise the level up to the existing level and that has been done."
The top of the wall on the old Kaniere Tram route had been "actually lower than it was originally" after the local stormwater work.
"It was a low spot."
The regional council was also concerned the rockwork installed around the new outfall pipes needed to be of a better standard, he said.
Westland was now looking into that and should be undertaking an improvement soon.
Meanwhile, the regional council meeting today was expected to discuss the wider plan to raise and strengthen the stopbank from the Hokitika Bridge up to the dairy factory.
Volumes and material available were currently being quantified ahead of a tender process.
"It's been given urgency," Haddock said.
In a letter to the Greymouth Star, veteran West Coast farmer Paul Berry has again called for action to ensure the riverbank upstream of the dairy factory is strengthened.
Berry said the issue was noted five months ago.
While the existing 400m of stopbank at the factory was rocked, a further 450m immediately upstream was "totally unprotected" with no rock armouring.
This was made worse by the bank being on an outside curve and was "very concerning".
Berry said he was alarmed to see the debate between the two councils about armouring the new stormwater culvert area.
"It seemed to me another Waiho event not if but when."
But of greater concern was that, as of last week, it could be two-and-a-half months before the existing 400m of stopbank and rock upgrade of dairy factory stopbank was put to tender by the regional council.
"In my opinion the upstream 450m needs immediate attention and protection not months away -- tomorrow would not be too soon," Berry said.
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.
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53.2% Yes
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46.8% 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
🚧 Big upgrades are on the way for Haast!
Motorists travelling on SH6 near Haast should be ready for some delays, with $5 million worth of work kicking off on important improvements to the highway.
The Gates of Haast Gorge bridge, which connects the 140km journey between Haast and Wānaka, is a crucial link — especially for locals and visitors heading to the West Coast glaciers.
A bit of patience now for safer, stronger roads ahead! 💛
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