Two riverside slumps in month’s downpour

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Three private properties in Gisborne suffered erosion during the region's heavy rain earlier this month.

Gisborne District Council (GDC) attended two properties in inner Kaiti which experienced riverside slumps, and one in Whataupoko related to hillside movement.

A GDC spokeswoman said the council advised landowners to contact the Earthquake Commission (EQC) if it was dangerous.

“Our building services manager may work with geotechnical engineers for specialist advice, and has the delegated power to issue a Dangerous Building Notice if there are serious concerns that warrant a house being vacated.”

The heavy rain over the district in mid-July closed State Highway 35 between Tolaga Bay and Kopuaroa near Waipiro Bay for three days due to flooding and slips.

Last week GDC re-opened forestry and farming roads to heavy vehicles after contractors repaired damage — including slips and dropouts — caused by the heavy rain.

This week's fine weather has helped dry out the region.