Cyclone Gabrielle recovery ramps up

Recovery work in the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle is making good progress, with several slips repaired and culverts cleared across the Far North, with some help from locals.

Council contractors were working to repair a large under slip along Taita Road near Waimamaku when they noticed some decent-sized boulders in a paddock nearby.

The team approached the property owner, who was happy for them to take the rocks for the slip repair project. It worked perfectly for both parties: the farmer was pleased to see the paddock cleared, and the contractors had the rocks required to repair the slip. The successful initiative not only sped up project completion but was also a win for the environment, removing the need to transport rocks from a quarry elsewhere. The new rock wall is built to withstand fast flowing, rising waters in the future.

Roading contractors have also repaired slips on Smoothy Road, Pine Hill Road and Upokarau Road in the Waimamaku area.

A week of dry weather has seen river levels drop, allowing roading contractors to finally progress repairs to a river washout on Doel Road in Kawakawa after some months. The washout impacted a very narrow single-lane stretch of road, creating a significant drop-off. Contractors and locals are relieved to see the work completed.

Other areas in the Far North where slips and culvert clearing have been tackled include Motukiore Road, McIntyres Road, Kokuhuia Road, Ōmanaia Road and Rāwhiti Road.

As well as tackling damage caused by Cyclone Gabrielle, contractors have started working on issues caused by May’s significant weather event and have completed repairs in Waimamaku Beach Road, Newton Road, Happy Valley Road, and Old Bay Road. This work will continue into September – weather permitting.

Photo: Repairs to a washout on Doel Road in Kawakawa have been completed.