The Whakatāne District Council’s Policy Committee has adopted recommendations which aim to promote a collaborative resolution to the longstanding issues affecting properties devastated by a 2005 debris flow from the Awatarariki Stream, at the western end of Matatā.

Following the debris flow, construction of a debris control system was proposed to protect the fanhead area from future events, but that proposal was abandoned in 2012 after an independent study highlighted significant cost and feasibility concerns. A subsequent risk assessment indicated that in some areas of the fanhead, the risk to people and property was beyond that which would normally be tolerated by the community, based on international best practice standards.

The Committee Deputy Chairman, Councillor Scott Jarrett, says the decision will see a business case prepared to assess the costs and benefits of the various options available for managing the risk associated with future debris flows from the stream. “It will also see an advocate appointed to represent the property owners and negotiate a way forward which, as far as possible, satisfies the community of interest involved,” he says. “The intent is to bring some finality to this situation, find the best possible solution and establish a basis for a united approach to seeking central Government and Regional Council funding support, should that be required.”

The preparation of the business case and involvement of a suitably qualified advocate are expected to cost up to $60,000, with funding coming from the existing District Plan budget allocated to the ongoing landslide/debris flow risk management project.