Tens of millions in funding have been spent cleaning up tonnes of woody debris from Tairāwhiti beaches and river catchments in the past 20 months.
In 2024, 330,301 cubic metres of woody debris was removed from the region’s beaches and river catchments, according to Rod Sheridan - Gisborne District Council’s woody debris programme manager.
Sheridan said just over $31.4m of funding received from the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) was spent on woody debris removal during the 2024 calendar year.
Since the beginning of the project in May 2023, $36.1m had been spent.
“In total, as of 14 January, 89,543 m3 has been removed from our beaches since the project began in May 2023,” Sheridan said.
Nine beaches were approved for the work pre-summer in preparation for a busy summer.
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“Heavy rain fell from December 18 throughout the Christmas period, requiring reassessment of volumes in some beach catchments and [a] repeat of works (eg at Waikanae and Midway),” Sheridan said in a statement.
“Work completed since December 1, 2024, has cost approximately $1,127,000 to date.”
Woody debris removal was prioritised based on risk to communities, critical infrastructure, waterways and beaches.
“River catchments, including Te Arai, Waimata and Ūawa/Hikuwai have been an ongoing focus. More recently this focus has broadened to include the Mangapoike, Pakarae [and] Hangaroa catchments. Bridges and beaches also remain a key priority.”
“We have been fortunate to receive substantial funding to remove and dispose of large woody debris from our river catchments and beaches.”
The region had received close to $4.1m in funding from the Minsitry for Primary Industries (MPI) for woody debris removal, which had been used.
DIA had given the region $49.4m of which about $17.3m was yet to be spent.
“We are currently working with MPI to secure a further $27m in funding to support this programme of work,” Sheridan said.
“In the current financial year, a council budget of $350k is allocated to seasonal woody debris removal from beaches, however, due to the ongoing recovery work and funding we have not yet been required to spend this allocation of funds.”
Removed woody debris is either taken away for burning or disposal by contractors.
Projects started and completed this summer:
- Waipiro Bay (1400m3 removed)
- Makarori (600m3 removed)
- Wainui (140m3 removed)
- Emergency works at the Waipaoa River mouth (450m3 removed to date).
Recently completed beaches include:
- Ūawa North (2590m3 removed),
- Waipiro Bay (1400m3 removed)
- Turihaua (80m3 removed)
- Wainui (140m3 removed)
- Makorori (600m3 removed)
- Tikapa (38,100m3 removed)
Upcoming beaches will include:
- Rangitukia
- Whāngārā
- Anaura
- Kaiaua
- Waipaoa River mouth (450m3 removed to date).
