Marlborough’s recovery continues; rāhui removed

The rāhui across the Marlborough region, announced following the June-July weather event, has now been lifted but continued caution is advised as the awa/rivers and moana/ocean recovers.

Kaiwhakahaere Matua/General Manager of Rangitāne o Wairau Corey Hebberd said a rāhui was just one mechanism that could be used to implement health and safety for the community.

“When a rāhui is implemented, it covers all coastlines, river mouths and flood water and temporarily prevents the gathering of seafood and kai, along with swimming and entering the water,” he said.

“The decision to implement a rāhui sits with local iwi who are supported by a panel of experts including health, environmental scientists and those responding to the emergency.

“Following a flood event, debris and sewage may be present and a rāhui can be put in place due to the health and safety concerns the risk of contaminated coastlines and rivers creates. It allows the environment to recuperate and regenerate without the presence and impacts of people,” Mr Hebberd said.

Signage regarding the rāhui will be removed as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, work continues across Marlborough with Council’s Rivers team continuing their detailed assessment of flood damage across the Wairau Plain. A broad assessment has already been completed in the Wairau River, Taylor River and smaller tributaries.

Council’s Group Manager Recovery Dean Heiford said with wet weather forecast for Tuesday next week, some sites would require monitoring and there was work currently underway to shore these up before the rain arrives.