Drop-in invite to discuss Kaituna River re-diversion project

The Regional Council is preparing to apply for resource consent to re-divert 20 per cent of the Kaituna River flow back into the Ongatoro-Maketu.

Interested locals can find out about the predicted effects of the proposed Kaituna River
Re-diversion and Wetland Creation Project at a community drop-in afternoon this weekend.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council project manager Pim de Monchy said people could drop in anytime between 2pm-4pm on Saturday at Whakaue Marae, Maketu Rd, Maketu.

"We'll have posters on display and experts on hand to chat to people and answer questions they might have about things like water quality, kaimoana, boating and swimming safety, landscape, wildlife and erosion. Afternoon tea will be provided too," he said.

The Regional Council is preparing to apply for resource consent to re-divert 20 per cent of the Kaituna River flow back into the Ongatoro/Maketu.

This will increase freshwater flow into the estuary and create about 20ha of new wetlands, while keeping Te Tumu cut open for flood protection and boating access.

Computerised predictions based on the proposed re-diversion method were presented to the community at a public meeting on March 6. Since then, further social, cultural and ecological research has been completed and an Assessment of Environmental Effects has been prepared.

"Over the last 18 months, we've thoroughly assessed the potential methods, likely benefits and risks of the project, we've talked to the community and landowners about how the re-diversion might affect them and we've adapted our planning and design in response to that," Mr de Monchy said.

"Our proposed re-diversion option will enable people to keep enjoying the estuary, Te Tumu Cut and the Maketu Spit in much the same way as they always have."

The next public meeting about the project will be at Whakaue Marae, 6pm-7.30pm on Thursday, May 8 to outline the consent process and answer any last questions before councillors make a decision on lodging the consent application.