Letters to Editor: Swells highlight vulnerability

Swells highlight vulnerability
The front page article on July 14 reported the recent flooding at the Westshore Surf Club and the president had "growing fears that waves will take the clubrooms".
Moderate swells arrived on July 6 as forecast and demonstrated how vulnerable the entire length of Westshore Beach is to a severe swell.
As predicted, the nourishment stopbank was encroached at the Surf Club and breached at the south end. Both buildings were flooded and parts of the domain were subjected to moderate sea water damage during a mere 1.3m swell.
The swells were from a subtropical low pressure system that affected the east coast, and the direction directly impacted Westshore, Te Awanga and Haumoana.
The high seas that measured 2.2m off the Port breakwater can be compared with wave heights measured at 7.0m (23ft) during the severe swell on August 7, 1974.
This major event flooded 300ha at Clive, washed debris onto city roads at Westshore, caused extensive material damage at the Port but, somehow, did not get a mention in the 397-page Komar Report. The NCC and HBRC have adopted this report as unquestionable expert advice.
The president, Trevor Miles says "the big concern among members is - no one knows what's going to happen".
My opinion is well documented. The beach has changed markedly in recent years and if the council continues with the current annual nourishment solution - the clubrooms cannot survive.
Each winter, the shingle bank is encroached by moderate swells so future flooding has to be expected. Damage will be proportional to the size of swells, duration over high tides and the direction of offshore storms. However, in the event of a severe swell, damage will tend towards devastation.
The president can be assured that both councils know exactly what is going on.
The solution is not "rocket science" and their position is clear. Refer to HB Today Feb 2004 "HBRC has adopted a strategy of planned retreat" and "HBRC will not build groynes or seawalls for erosion protection". This policy was confirmed by HBRC during a meeting at the beach in 2010.
Also, refer to Mayor Arnott's statement Feb 2011: "NCC is comfortable with nourishment and is continuing with the programme."
With the current solution, the future of Westshore Beach is not bright.
L W DALLIMORE, Westshore
STV system best
I agree with the people who are supporting the STV system of voting. It is the only method that gives each vote its true value. Some may consider it unwieldy but today's technology can deal with that. Highly sophisticated calculations are dealt with speedily every day. And we would not end up with unelected people in the house.
MARGARET GREGORY, Napier