2024

Media releases

Emergency sewer overflow 25 June

Valves were closed 29 June at 12.30pm and discharges have stopped.

Two decades of wood cleaned off Tikapa Beach

Thousands of tonnes of wood and debris washed up along a 10-kilometre stretch of beach, which added a hefty layer to what’s been piling up for 20 years.

Council's Charlotte Knight sets sights on the U.S.A.

Strategic Planning Manager Charlotte Knight has been selected for an exchange to the U.S.A at the LGFA Taituarā Excellence Awards.

Tiniroto residents' relief as road reopens on Monday

Tiniroto Road reopened Monday 17 June after being closed since August due to extreme rockfall risk at the bluffs.

National honours for TEMO's Emergency Management Platform

Tairāwhiti Emergency Management has won an award for its Common Operating Picture (COP) intelligence dashboard.

New commissioners support TRMP review

Mayor Rehette Stoltz says she’s delighted to have the two independent commissioners Sarah Stevenson and Alan Matheson on the Committee.

Managing sustainable land use better

One of Council’s goals is to identify the worst eroding land across the region and transition it to permanent vegetation cover - Chief Executive Nedine Thatcher Swann.

Helicopter work along Waimatā River starts soon

This is the latest work in the removal of large woody debris around the region. So far 392,273 tonnes has been removed at a cost of around $16 million.

Decision means Ūawa upgrade can start soon

Once construction drawings are finalised, the community will receive the start date for the temporary upgrade, which is expected to take 1-2 weeks to install, weather permitting.

First Nations share learnings living with a fault line

“We are separated by hemispheres, but we face the same challenges of a shared hazard,” said TEMO manager Ben Green of his visit to Washington State.

Council scientist to present research at international conference

Dr Cave’s work gained international attention after a presentation at the New Zealand Rivers Conference in late 2023.

Explosive find from a century ago

NZ Police said in a statement they were alerted around 8pm on Tuesday by council staff.

Relationships key to a successful response

Group welfare manager Dallas Haynes says kanohi ki te kanohi (face to face) creates a connectivity that ensures a far smoother relationship during an emergency.

Look out for lower speed limits in Tairāwhiti

The CBD’s new 30km speed signs will enhance the safety for pedestrians and cyclists.

Double honours for Kiwa Pools

Tā (Sir) Derek Lardelli of Lardelli Arts collaborated with Architecture HDT and Apollo Projects to ensure the essence of Tairāwhiti history is in every corner of the facility.

Unwanted intruder in Tairāwhiti waters

"We believe this mussel was brought into our waters through a contaminated vessel,” Council Biosecurity team leader Phillip Karaitiana.

Prime opportunity for hospitality venture

You’d need to be whānau-focussed with a strong interest in coffee. This café is a go-to during any visit to the pool complex.

Seeking individuals for key catchment working group

Council is seeking community members interested in joining the Ūawa Catchment Working Group.

Cutting-edge technology for Waimatā River

Weather permitting, the LiDAR drone will cover the entire stretch of river with work expected to be finished by the end of June.

Enhanced camping experience in Tairāwhiti

This year 1673 camping permits were issued, but we estimate that only half of the actual campers obtained permits,

Te Puru Bridge closures over May

Work to strengthen and stabilise Te Puru Bridge starts this week with repairs expected to last until the end of May.

Works starts soon on amenity reserve land

The area of land is around Customhouse Street and the Waikanae Cut.

Days numbered for new lake in Waiorongomai Valley

A satellite flyover in March this year showed water was draining from it rapidly and it’s likely to be gone by the end of winter, if not before.

Saltwater wedge mapping in Ūawa

Inanga, the most common of the five whitebait species, spawn (lay their eggs) near the saltwater wedge during late summer and autumn.