The devastation wrought by Cyclone Gabrielle, particularly on the east coast, has brought Raglan’s own civil defence planning into focus. Raglan Community Board Chair Dennis Amoore says the board has a sub-committee in place and will review and update the emergency planning document in coming weeks.
“We actually have quite a bit set up already,” siad Dennis referring to some of the responses that are ready to go, like Poihakena Marae, and the networks established during the Covid-19 response.
The impact of Cyclone Gabrielle saw many communities in Tairāwhiti, Napier and Hawke’s Bay isolated with roads closed, power and phone services down and no way to communicate with the rest of the country. Raglan would be in a similar situation should a slip take out the one major power line bringing electricity to the area.
“We need to look at scenarios where Raglan is isolated so we can stand alone. We would be reliant on things like portable generators and radios” said Dennis.
(Listen to the full interview below:)
The recent closure of SH23 has given residents a small taste of isolation with the detour causing travel delays and the cancellation of some services - like the bus. The road closure also coincided with no-swim notices for the beach and harbour - which has deterred visitors from coming to Raglan during the busy summer period.
With the temporary diversion road on track to open this Saturday at noon, residents can expect some return to normalcy, although there’s been no word yet on how long the main road will take to fix.
Waka Kotahi - NZ Transport Agency have indicated that the slump is still moving so Dennis expects the main road to take a number of months to repair.
Raglan Wharf Project Update
Now that SH23 is set to reopen, the Raglan Wharf project is also back on track with some of the larger piles and the pontoon set to be delivered via the temporary road in coming weeks.
Work on the eastern walkway continues with about 30-40m of walkway extending out to the east of the wharf and the pontoon coming off the end of the walkway.
A Better Off funding boost from the central Government has secured completion of the western walkway which still has final design work to be completed before construction can begin.
Land-Based Wastewater Treatment Proposals
Watercare staff attended the most recent RCB meeting to present proposals for land-based wastewater discharge. Under the current consent, wastewater is discharged into the harbour every day during the outgoing tides.
Following consultation with the community, it was indicated that land-based discharge options were most favoured by residents and the council are currently looking at land on Maungatawhiri Road that would be suitable.
Locals have previously raised concerns around smells regarding the proposed land-based discharge option but Watercare staff have said that the discharge irrigation lines would be underground and that odours should not be a problem.
Councill staff have also said that future growth and infrastructure needs will be taken into consideration to design the land-based discharge options with Raglan’s population estimated to hit 12,000 by 2070.
Raglan Structure Plan
Keeping in mind Raglan’s trends for future growth, Dennis says that there is a need for Raglan to put together a structure plan that could set priorities for future growth and development.
A structure plan could help define community needs so when land is developed, there are certain criteria that need to be incorporated into the development plan like allowing for sports fields and other community spaces.
A growing population means growing community needs and as of right now we don’t have the facilities to meet the needs of 12,000 people. Dennis says we need to have a think about the kinds of spaces Raglan might need for the future and it's up to the council and RCB to come up with a plan to implement.
Canadian Geese
Canadian Geese have been an ongoing issue in the Raglan Harbour for a number of years with flocks of geese congregating on paddocks, eating the fresh feed and resting on the mudflats and oyster beds, fouling the harbour.
Data from Fish and Game has shown that Canada Goose populations in Waikato lakes and western harbours have increased by 10,000 between 2012 and 2021, becoming a huge problem in recent years.
These flocks of geese ultimately hurt farmers' bottom lines eating up the pastures and also contribute to environmental degradation with their faeces potentially damaging the shellfish species.
There has been some debate around how to manage geese populations with farmers organising cullings in the past. Te Ngahere Kaitiakitanga Trust, an environmental arm of hapū Ngāti Māhanga and Ngā Toku Toru, have also expressed interest in working with Waikato Regional Council, Ministry of Primary Industries and farmers to collectively solve the issue.
Manu Bay Breakwall - Delayed again with next meeting scheduled for mid March.
Cambrae Rd Walkway - Slips have caused delays in progress.
Consultation on the proposed Traffic Bylaw 2023 and the proposed Public Places Bylaws 2023 is open now on the council website.
Soundsplash Festival - Council events staff to come back to RCB with updated plans addressing traffic and health and safety issues.
The next Raglan Community Board Meeting will be held in the Town Hall Supper Room, 22 March 2023, 01:30 pm - 03:30pm.