New working group to address Karikari Peninsula flooding

A working group has been formed to find solutions to storm water and wastewater problems on the Karikari Peninsula that have plagued locals for years.

Last month, members from Far North District Council and Ventia Waters spent the day in the area as part of a response plan to stormwater issues in the Tokerau Beach, Whatuwhiwhi, Karikari Peninsula areas.

The teams met with locals to discuss recent and historical issues before heading out to view problem areas. The new working group held its first official meeting on Friday 19 July and agreed to:

• Confirm the catchment area to be considered for immediate and long-term planning
• Confirm overland flows and existing stormwater infrastructure and its maintenance
• Obtain a comprehensive understanding of the stormwater catchment with the goal of implementing a stormwater catchment plan and stormwater model for the area.

Other actions include making sure that council-owned drains and floodgates are cleared as required each season, especially before winter, and checking building compliance on impermeable surfaces to ensure surface water isn't entering the council’s wastewater systems. As well as working more closely to maintain and clear existing drainage systems, the teams have also undertaken to explore longer term engineering solutions to combat flooding.