Flood Prevention and Protection

More frequent and damaging flooding events cause stream bank erosion and macro sedimentation in the Whangaroa Harbour and Bay of Islands. The Northern Regional Council has proven methods to significantly reduce stream bank erosion and harbour sedimentation (Awanui and Kaitaia) and this model needs to be applied to Bay of Islands and Whangaroa.

Waipapa area needs flood protection, very little has been done since the 1981 and 2007 flooding and NRC have no plans to change this. I will be focusing on these issues. NRC needs to get back to its core function

Waipapa industrial area is expanding, building platforms are being elevated, State Highway 10, Waipapa and Rainbow Falls Roads have all been raised. Where is flood water going to go?

Weed Epidemic

The NRC misidentified the fire weed Madagascar Ragwort Senecio madagascariensis as gravel groundsel. Gravel groundsel is non-toxic and where as Madagascar ragwort is extremely toxic and very difficult to control. It flowers and seeds up to three times a year and has the potential to spread throughout the North Island and into the top of the South Island. It has steadily spread south and is now found in Kerikeri, Kaikohe and Hokianga. Be aware that toxicity remains if this plant is included in hay and silage, as well as providing a seed source.