Taruheru a primary waterway, solution required

Re John Wells’ opinion on the Taruheru river, January 13.

While I agree with his assessment that the confluence with the Waimata and build-up of debris on the two downstream bridges stops the flow of the Taruheru during high-flow events, he also concedes that the Spartina grass has — as intended — retained silt and built up the berms which, left unchecked, will only accelerate.

Where I do disagree is his assumption that the Taruheru has lost its importance as a primary waterway.

It services a significant catchment along the north-eastern side of the Flats from Ormond to Matawhero and all the run-off from the hills that face south.

Over the past two years with significant rain events, landowners have had to endure unprecedented surface flooding from water backed up from the Taruheru stream. A number of urban dwellings were also flooded.

Little to no money has been spent in the past 25 on the Taruheru, even though a special rate is struck to provide for its maintenance.

Given that this is some of our most productive land and provides significant benefits by the way of employment and income in a district that is struggling to retain let alone attract investment, options need to be considered to reduce flooding.

Options that come to my mind:

1) Removal of the obstructing piers supporting  the Gladstone Road bridge — costly but potentially reducing the problem.

2) Finding a way to reduce the slash coming down the Waimata.

This would be in all our interests as it’s a major pollutant of our beaches, but difficult to achieve as it’s not only the byproduct of forestry that is coming down the river but also trees that are slumping from land adjacent to the waterways, in many cases planted to reduce erosion.

Again, costly, but with major benefits to all.

3) An alternative overflow via a cut to the sea near the A&P Showgrounds.

Doable but complex as a number of affected parties to be consulted.

There may be other options, but doing nothing is not one of them.

My sympathy with the GDC given the devastation caused to the region and the limited resources of time, manpower and cash.

Murray McPhail