Project 4. Waimea Stream
Frequently Asked Questions
That the Matata Residents Association made submissions relating to the cleaning of all streams which were not actioned.
Even if the steams were in pristine condition, unfortunately the level and significance of the May 2005 event would have seen these streams flooded and compromised.
As part of the resource consent process there is an opportunity to make “conditions” to resource consents. It is expected these conditions will include assessments and maintenance programmes to ensure stream integrity is kept intact.
Following perennial lobbying from Matata Residents and Ratepayers Assn., WDC commissioned a report on Matata Stormwater – Stream Investigation in June of 1999. This report documented the “URGENT WORKS” required and the steps necessary for its implementation. The result: inaction. The report shelved – no steam or waterway maintenance undertaken, wasting time, effort and ratepayers’ money – leaving the problems to escalate. Had that work been done, there may have been significantly less damage to Matata properties and homes on 18 May 2005.
Even if the streams were in pristine condition, unfortunately the level and significance of the event in May 2005 would have seen these steams flooded and compromised. The damage to Matata happened in a very short space of time – the steams capacity would have been breached irrespective of the report described above. This is the reason to ensure there is only a Q5 return period flow to be returned through Matata in the Waitepuru Stream. Waimea Stream is being upgraded to suit revised hydrological design flows.
Maintenance contracts will be enforced to ensure that the efforts in restoration do not get destroyed. Contract reviews will be conducted to ensure the high standard expected is maintained.
Streams, Waterways and Culverts
Storm water has always been a problem in Matata because of the fast run-off. Because most streams come under the jurisdiction of several different entities, residents have had difficulty in finding anyone willing to accept responsibility when such items as car bodies, motor bikes, fencing materials, trailers (all recent examples where residents could get neither co-operation nor help and which contributed to blockages, or pose a potential block when storms strike) become wedged in steams and/or water courses. Whakatane District Council (WDC), Environment Bay of Plenty (EBOP) and Department of Conservation (DOC) have all proven uncoordinated and their performances less than satisfactory.
Resource Consent conditions will clearly outline the responsibilities of each of the authorities. Duties related to maintaining these assets will be clearly defined also.
Residents voted overwhelmingly for a single authority to accept responsibility for streams and waterways, although many were unsure who that authority should be. As we pay our rates to WDC, we believe it is WDC who should co-ordinate this work on our behalf. The amount of rubbish which ends up in these streams and waterways is a problem which needs to be urgently addressed.
This would require a significant change in WDC processes. This can be considered in the appropriate forum and will require some thought about how best to deliver the best outcome. This, in principle, is not an unreasonable request. A submission through the Community Board would be a good place to start.
A note should be made here that the Waimea is actually on private property.
What monitoring and maintenance measures can the Community count on from WDC? The Community needs a transparent maintenance programme which the Community can monitor.
Agreed – see Resource Consent ‘Conditions’ – this will outline the expectations of the authorities in maintaining these streams.
Will WDC or one of their agents accept responsibility for clearing away items/materials capable of forming a blockage in storm conditions?
Per above – Resource Consent ‘Conditions’ – this will outline the expectations of the authorities in maintaining these streams. WDC will be one of the authorities maintaining these assets.
The Waimea Stream is already diverted but needs to be re-surveyed with extreme flows having an outlet.
Agreed – an updated hydrological model has been completed. LIDAR aerial survey has also been completed (0.5m contours). Geological investigations have already commenced. Details of this information will be shared with all interested parties (Tonkin & Taylor) and our regulators (both WDC and EBOP).
View other community questions with a focus on general issues.