The autumn splendour of our deciduous trees adds greatly to the visual appeal of the Whakatāne District’s urban areas. There is a downside though, in the form of the drifts of leaves which, if left unattended, can clog our stormwater systems and increase the risk of localised flooding.

To help avoid potential flooding issues, urban residents throughout the district are urged to take action if they see the gutters and stormwater grates in their neighbourhoods are full of leaves.

“Our ability to manage the autumn leaf-fall is limited to clearing stormwater cesspit grates in known problem areas before and after heavy rain events,” says Whakatāne District Council Community Services Manager Paula Chapman. “We are looking at some practical ways of dealing with this annual issue, but the community can also play a key role by raking or blowing leaves out of gutters and clearing away the leaf-fall on their verges and properties.”

Autumn leaves make good garden mulch, or can be raked up or picked up in lawnmower catchers and either composted or disposed of in greenwaste bins.

“This is an opportunity for people to help themselves and their neighbours by reducing the likelihood of ponding rainwater affecting their properties,” Mrs Chapman concludes.