Over 400 properties were flooded after heavy rain on June 26, and local residents had previously called for preventive action to open the river bar before the storm hit. The review, led by former top cop Mike Bush of Bush International Consulting, found that the council did not act preemptively despite warnings, resulting in public outrage. The review highlighted the council’s failure to properly engage with local knowledge and to use more accurate weather forecasts.
Key findings from the review included the absence of a formal operational plan for managing the river mouth, poor relationships with local leaders, and the council’s reliance on flawed MetService forecasts. Although multiple factors, such as high rainfall, rising tides, and storm surges, contributed to the flood, the decision not to open the bar earlier as a precaution was seen as surprising. The review also noted inadequate communication during the flood, leaving residents unprepared as the situation worsened.
The review recommended immediate actions, including establishing a formal contract with local contractors, regular community forums, and developing an operational plan for the river. Central government was urged to clarify legislative frameworks for flood management, as locals felt their concerns were often overlooked by the council. The report stressed that future flood resilience in Wairoa must consider rising sea levels and stronger storms, requiring further action beyond just managing the river bar.
This article was originally published by the Daily Telegraph New Zealand.
