12 June 2006
High winds may cause concern
High winds may potentially cause damage across the district, but proactive management of possible hazards by local
authorities will ensure any damage is kept to a minimum, according to Hastings District Council as the Met Service today
advised high winds may increase in many parts of the North Island.
Currently the Council reports there are no trees down, but leaf matter was causing concern in some parts of the
district. Fortunately during winter when the trees carry less leaves, the likelihood of branches breaking is greatly
reduced.
The Council conducts an ongoing programme of inspecting trees for structural integrity and implements maintenance
regimes to minimise the likelihood of trees causing issues. However, the Council is unable to attend to individual
private properties that may be affected by tree debris.
“We just don’t have the resources to clean up ever individual property that may be affected,” said Bruce Allport,
Hastings District Council Horticultural Officer. “We do have an engineering team that regularly carries out street
sweeping to clear leaves and debris, and we are very happy for residents to move leaf matter onto the street and let our
team handle it from there.”
Winds are expected to increase and may reach 150km per hour at times. The Council will continue to monitor the
situation.
ENDS