South Wairarapa facing near $1m road damage bill

Early estimates have put the damage sustained by South Wairarapa roads during the recent flooding at nearly $800,000, with the final bill likely to go close to $1 million.
The cost of repairing the roads will be subsidised by central government and the shortfall met by the South Wairarapa District Council's emergency fund.
South Wairarapa mayor Adrienne Staples said at the council meeting on Wednesday a subsidy of about 75 per cent is anticipated.
The clean up and repair of the roads is now underway, with the council's usual civil contractors Oldfields to carry out the work.
First priority is being given to the clearance of culverts and the removal of slips from the watertable.
Early attention is also being given to the repair of dropouts on the White Rock No.3 Road and Summerhill Road, east of Hinakura, where farmers were particularly badly hit during the flooding.
Once the Palliser Coast Road culverts are clear next on the to do list will be the White Rock No.2 Road, at Whakapuni, to repair washouts that have reduced traffic to one lane.
Work is expected to take several months.
The council is also keen to show its gratitude to all the people, particularly Oldfields and the fire service, that worked like demons throughout the whole storm period to keep roads clear and people safe.
Councillor Dianne Phelps said all the people who worked through the foul conditions should be acknowledged "for their saviour of us".