Westport residents seek answers on flood protection scheme funding

An aerial view of the eastern end of Westport during the July 2021 flood. Photo: Supplied / Defence Force

As the North Island grapples with recovering from the devastating effects of ex-cyclone Gabrielle, many in the Buller region are bracing for their next severe weather event.

Westport was hit by severe flooding last February, and the July before. A business case for co-investment in a $56 million flood protection scheme was put to government last June, but the community is still waiting for answers.

Westport resident, surveyor, and former Civil Defence controller Chris Coll was one of several community members in the Westport 2100 group - established four years ago to advise on how to manage the hazards facing the region.

One of those recommendations is to develop a flood protection scheme.

Coll said the Buller River had the highest flood flow of any river in New Zealand.

NIWA data during the July 2021 flood event showed it had the largest river flows in New Zealand in almost 100 years.

In the four years since the Westport 2100 group released its recommendations, two severe flood events have left many in the community on edge.

Cabinet is yet to consider the business case for its co-funding of a $56m flood protection scheme, which was submitted last June.

A partly submerged car outside flooded houses on Disraeli St, Westport, in July 2021. Photo: Supplied/NZ Defence Force

West Coast Regional Council chief executive Heather Mabin said it was coming up two years since the July flood when the Buller River breached its banks - with more than 2000 people evacuated from their homes, leaving nearly a quarter of the town's housing stock in need of repair to be habitable.

"The community has been waiting and like the devastation that's been caused in the North Island, we have a community around Westport that I believe live in fear every time it rains," Mabin said.

"They wonder how much rain is going to fall, whether the rivers are going to rise and whether their houses and their livelihoods are going to be impacted."

Whatever the decision on funding, the community needed an answer so they could move forward, Mabin said.

"They can't plan for the future, they can assume that they're going to be fine and they can assume that there's going to be a flood protection all around them, but they need to have the reality of knowing what we can and will be doing for them, so that they can make decisions based on that."

Buller Mayor Jamie Cleine Photo: RNZ / Nate Mckinnon

Buller Mayor Jamie Cleine said recent weather events had strengthened the case for regions to have comprehensive plans to deal with the hazards they faced.

"It's quite clear that certainly our district, and obviously many of these small districts in the North Island, can't walk away completely from their town, they need to manage risk ... and figure out a way of the towns remaining viable while addressing that risk."

Cabinet is expected to consider the business case as part of this year's Budget.