An independent review into the flood that inundated 400 Wairoa houses in June has recommended Hawke’s Bay Regional Council partner with the Wairoa District Council and community to develop a plan to manage the Wairoa River bar.
The review led by former police commissioner Mike Bush found the flood was caused by a combination of factors leading to the river backing up and overflowing, driving a mix of fresh and saltwater into the low-lying areas of the town.
It highlighted shortcomings around the planning and management of the river mouth and bar.
Indigenous knowledge and kaupapa Māori approaches to river, mouth and bar management need to be used in a formalised way.
Environment Minister Penny Simmonds welcomed the review’s findings and recommendations.
