Community spirit alive and well in Golden Bay
On behalf of affected residents and farmers in the Aorere Valley, a huge thank you has gone out to the wider Golden Bay community for the caring support and practical help in the last two weeks since the flood event. Donations of food (co-ordinated through Rural Women) and groceries are still being distributed. For some, this was a practical way to help from outside the flood zone, and several people remembered the 1983 flood of Takaka when Collingwood people gave their time and energy. As one said, “It’s pay-back time.”
Teams of willing helpers also came to clear debris and re-erect fencelines, some from Nelson and further afield. Over 35 properties were affected and, although localised, some of the damage has been extensive and will take a long time to right.
Tasman District elected representatives and staff have also been praised for their input at this time, along with contractors who started working to repair the riverbank damage at Rockville before further rainfall fell last week.
Roading and bridge damage is still being assessed for repair as well as extended slips along the whole river, including at the top end of Bainham.
Federated Farmers executive members are keeping channels of information flowing and liaising with TDC and central Government, and David Carter, the Minister of Agriculture, will visit at the end of the month. He has received reports from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and the Rural Support Trust. The Ministries of Transport and Civil Defence are also accumulating information on issues.
Anyone with concerns about river damage can report them directly to TDC through the service centre in Takaka.
There is also a focus on understanding the effect that past river management has had in causing this event. It will be timely to consider issues as TDC reviews the Part 4 Rivers and Lakes Policy, currently under consideration.
Any further concerns or requests for help can be directed through Golden Bay Federated Farmers president Graham Ball, at 525 9473.
We are a resilient community with a can-do attitude. Well done!
Submitted by Michelle Riley,
Golden Bay Federated Farmers
