21 December 2021
South Wairarapa District Council in collaboration with the Martinborough Community Board has successfully developed a solution to keep the Te Awaiti and North Tora campsites open for campers.
Working jointly with Greater Wellington Regional Council, local Community Board members, and Fire and Emergency NZ (FENZ), a mitigation plan has been developed that keeps people safe and allows the campsites to continue to be used by the public.
The plan has the following elements:
- Large warning signs will be erected before Christmas at the entry to both sites.
- MetService will send weather alerts for severe weather events that forecast over 150mm rain directly to FENZ, Council and the Martinborough Community Board (MCB).
- Council will send an officer to check the sites and warn campers if a severe weather warning is received.
- Severe weather warnings and the danger to campers will immediately be published on Council’s social media (Facebook and Instagram).
- If Council officers are unable to safely gain access to the campsites, the local Tora FENZ Brigade will assist Council in any way they can to ensure the safety of all members of the public.
Community Board Chair, Mel Maynard, is pleased and relieved that a solution had been reached.
“Martinborough Community Board has been grateful for the opportunity to create a successful outcome using our Board’s local knowledge to assist Council. I hope to continue this constructive working partnership with our Council on all matters which affect our community,” she said.
This outcome coincides nicely with an announcement from MetService that improvements have been made that will allow MetService public platforms to display heavy swell warnings for the Greater Wellington region. Our waters can be treacherous, so care is strongly recommended for all water activities.
Contact:
Stefan Corbett
Group Manager Partnerships and Operations
South Wairarapa District Council
stefan.corbett@swdc.govt.nz
