Wairoa river needs help

FALLING AWAY: An example of the erosion at North Clyde, at the northern end of the Wairoa River. The water's edge is getting closer to Carroll Street and has already claimed part of the Ferry Hotel carpark area. Picture by Angela Thomas

Erosion at North Clyde is a visible reminder of concerns about the state of the Wairoa River.

Wairoa residents are hoping the river's health has not been forgotten in the wake of the Provincial Growth Fund's $6.1 grant for rejuvenation of main street buildings, and technology initiatives.

Adventure Wairoa waka ama competitor and coach Christina Stockman is on the water most days of the week through the year and is concerned about the river's health.

“Our awa has been languishing for a long time because of historical abuse,” she said.

“Our community is saying enough is enough. Sure we can put millions of dollars into our main street and our buildings, but actually we need to start with the basics of what our community is all about, our awa.”

Mrs Stockman says the water quality is extremely important for waka ama as paddlers are encouraged to be out on the water regularly. There are concerns in particular for the younger competitors when some readings for E. coli have been extremely high.

Adventure Wairoa member Sonya Smith said the club had had to compensate for the poor water quality and had obtained funding to install hot water for showers at the clubrooms to mitigate the health risks.

“The health of the river is a direct reflection of the health of the people and should be addressed,” she said.

Ms Smith said there were also issues with access to the water for the waka ama paddlers, who range in age from 5 to 70.

“You need to have a level of physicality to get the waka in and out of the water.”

Mrs Stockman believes the Wairoa District Council should be taking a lead on issues to do with the Wairoa River.

“I know that there is some responsibility from regional council and there has always been some finger pointing but come the end of the day they (the councillors) are the people we have voted in to lead us in our community. We actually have the ability to set an example for the rest of the country in regards to cleaning up our waterways and making them sustainable.

“I am hoping that the same energy that has created this funding for the main street is also put in to support the revitalisation of our river as well. I would hate to think that it is not our top priority and that we are looking at the fiscal side of our community rather than the health side, the wairua.

“We have new councillors in now and I have great confidence that they are going to be able to slowly nudge this on to the right pathway and the focus is going to be back where it should be.”

Mayor Craig Little says the river is a top priority for the town and the region and encourages those who are concerned to “watch this space”. The tripartite partnership Matangirau between the council, Hawke's Bay Regional Council and Tatau Tatau o te Wairoa was working to address the problems.

“We are well and truly aware of the issues with the river and it is high on our list of priorities and on the regional council list of priorities. We are also looking at the habitat for marine life. The regional council are doing what they need to be doing. We have struggled with working together in the past and now to have this partnership is fantastic.”

Hawke's Bay Regional Council (HBRC) group manager asset management Chris Dolley said there appeared to be multiple causes for the erosion issue at North Clyde. This included high river flows, stormwater runoff from land-based infrastructure and vegetation removal.

“A preliminary review of the North Clyde erosion has been undertaken. This issue will be expensive to remedy. Additional work is required at this site to identify specific solutions and funding.

“The regional council has been actively working with the Wairoa District Council and the community in addressing erosion issues on the Wairoa River, with a heightened level of activity over the last 18 months.

“This year the regional council is planning to undertake a comprehensive review of erosion and other issues on the Wairoa River which will inform an improvement programme. This work will commence next month.”

A small retaining wall at the Wairoa Yacht Club is planned for this financial year.