In limbo Waiho Flat residents may get clarity soon
By local democracy reporter Brendon McMahon
Waiho Flat residents in limbo for years over their futures due to worsening gravel build-up in the Waiho (Waiau) River may have a clearer path within eight weeks.
West Coast Regional Council chief executive Darryl Lew said on Thursday he accepted a special rating district meeting for Franz Josef and Waiho River ratepayers was "well overdue".
But work under way this week to formulate a strategic approach to the river should help pave the way forward.
He made the comment on day two of a workshop of hydrology, engineering and river modelling experts in a technical advisory group (TAG) focused on Franz Josef.
Lew said they had all previously studied the Waiho River and as a group had visited the riverbank on Wednesday before returning to Greymouth on Thursday to draft options to address both "old and new issues to feed into a report for the future".
He clarified his comment yesterday that all flood protection work on the Waiho was "on hold" while the options were drafted.
"I want to be very clear, while there is additional planning work required for the future management of this river, infrastructure works under way now will continue to progress."
The already approved stage 1 work under the $24 million Waiho protection scheme on the north bank was continuing as planned, providing a new link bank down from the Franz Josef heliport.
However, work on a further low bank to prevent the Waiho from flowing into the adjoining Tatare River was not proceeding as it had not started.
"At the moment we're not working on the Tatare bank — there's no Tatare bank."
Any Tatare solution may fall into a future a stage two scheme but nothing had been decided yet, Lew said.
However, the work of the TAG convened this week could help shape what happened next.
"We're not progressing on any of that new stuff until we get the results of this report."
While convening the panel of experts this week might appear to some as a repeat of past activity given "a huge number" of Waiho reports in the past, "what we are doing now is assessing the new threats that have presented themselves in recent months".
"These may require a new approach for the future."
He said "some of the best minds in New Zealand" were on the ground to formulate a 10-year river management strategy for the regional council to deliver.
"It will not cover infrastructure such as the road, heli-pad, oxidation ponds or the town itself. Decisions around those assets will need to be made, but that comes next."
The report would be drafted over the coming month and then be presented to the regional council, Westland District Council, the NZ Transport Agency and Te Rūnanga o Makaawhio, "before being taken to the community in six to eight weeks' time".
*Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air
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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