Far North faces multi-million road repair bill

Early estimates indicate that the Far North faces a road repair bill close to $5 million following last week’s torrential rains.

Rain in excess of 200mm fell across much of the Far North in just 48 hours last week, causing widespread flooding and numerous slips. Gales also brought down dozens of trees blocking roads and cutting power to hundreds of residents. On Friday morning, 50 district roads had been impacted with many reduced to one lane or passable only by four-wheel drive vehicles. Of those, 14 roads were closed temporarily to all traffic.

Last week’s extreme weather capped off a month of heavy rains that had already caused floods, slips and downed trees. The council estimates it was already facing a road repair bill of $1.55 million before last week’s storm.

CEO Blair King says Far North District Council will be seeking funding assistance from central government to help cover the repair costs.

“While we do budget for extreme weather events, a $6.5 million repair bill in one month will have an impact on other roading projects. It would be unfair to expect ratepayers to bear that cost alone and we will be seeking maximum support from the Government.”

As of today, just one road in North Hokianga remains closed. It is not yet known when West Coast Road between Kohukohu and Panguru will reopen. Significant subsidence near the intersection with Motuti Road has closed both lanes. Ongoing movement of the slip has delayed a full assessment of the site by engineers and it is not yet known when the road might be reopened or when a permanent fix can be made.