URGENT FLOOD REVIEW UNDERWAY

An independent review into the management of the Wairoa River mouth and the impact this had on the flooding of properties in the district is underway with results of the inquiry due out soon. The Government’s urgent and targeted review into the Wairoa flood response follows the Wairoa community raising significant concerns about the management of the Wairoa River bar. The review will look at whether there was adequate monitoring of the state of the Wairoa River bar; whether correct decisions were made in a timely way; and whether there were any other actions that could have been taken.” The review is expected to take around four weeks, with findings and recommendations to be presented to the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, Wairoa District Council and Tātau Tātau o Te Wairoa Trust in August. Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery Mark Mitchell says Wairoa deserve answers around the decisions and actions taken in managing the bar. “The June flooding has been really tough for Wairoa. They should expect that flood management is monitored adequately, with timely actions taken to minimise the impact on the community. This review seeks to provide answers for Wairoa in relation to the June flooding event and identify where improvements are needed to protect their community against future events.”

Back to Updates