Wairoa Mayor Craig Little commented on TV last week that there should be a government inquiry into the actions of Hawke’s Bay Regional Council (HBRC) delaying the opening of the Wairoa River mouth (something that has been happening for years).
That process is far too costly and too slow. My opinion is that the Government should stand down the HBRC CEO and top brass responsible for holding off on getting the local contractor to open up the river bar, and move in a group of commissioners.
The contractor has always had his hands tied and been held up many times on when to move on opening the river mouth. In this case, a bulldozer and two diggers were written off, causing a significant loss of income.
The contractor has far more local knowledge and valued experience than any muppets sitting at a desk or driving around in vehicles.
The costs: another 116 homes flooded, the lime orchard that has never flooded before has lost a brand new packhouse where eight permanent staff were working ... the list goes on.
In my opinion, MPs Nimon and Kirkpatrick should talk to Wairoa District Council about my suggestion, speak with Little and the contractor, and report back to Wellington.
Bring in the commissioners. Any government inquiry just allows departments to cover up and nothing is gained.
Merv Goodley
