Looking down the drain at Muriwai

File picture

PLANS to collaborate on a drainage management plan between Muriwai residents and Gisborne District Council were made at last night’s community consultation meeting.

Resident Jody Toroa said the community’s experience with GDC has been largely good.

“It's just awesome, from the marae development all the way through. That's probably why GDC does not get a lot of requests for service from us.”

But drainage was the exception.

“Drainage comes up as an issue time and time again. We don't get rated for drainage and that's good but what we would like is a collaboration on a drainage management plan.”

Ms Toroa said areas of Muriwai have high water tables.

“Lots of rain and our septic tanks bubble up.”

Look at a drainage planMayor Meng Foon said it was a good idea to have GDC have a look at a drainage plan, although he and councillor Graeme Thomson did reference a similar situation.

“A few years ago Ruatoria residents wanted rubbish collection, when they were not rated for it,” said Mr Thomson.

“When they were told it would be an extra $60 per house hold they all said no.”

Mr Foon agreed. “Nothing is free”.

Despite not paying rates for drainage Ms Toroa said they can implement a plan themselves.

“We want the council expertise for the plan and we have the resources as iwi and whanau to implement that plan.”

Positive progress on Te Wherewhero restorations were also touched upon, as well as preparations for the 2019 sestercentennial of Captain Cook’s landing.

Pou on the Whareratas with QS codes that tell people who is who, where to stop and where to go around the area, was one idea for 2019 and future cruise ship seasons.