MEDIA RELEASE
25 July 2008
Environment Waikato on standby following weather warning
Environment Waikato and civil defence agencies are on standby, following a severe weather warning issued by the
MetService today.
A low predicted to move over the North Island on Saturday is expected to bring heavy rain, with possible wind gusts and
storm surges.
In the Waikato region, the Coromandel Peninsula area is likely to be most affected, and people should closely watch
weather forecasts and rivers in their local area.
Environment Waikato, which manages river systems and provides flood warnings, will be monitoring information from its
regional network of rainfall and river level monitoring stations this weekend.
“Staff members will be keeping a close eye on the situation and providing information and updates to the appropriate
agencies,” Environment Waikato duty emergency management officer Greg Ryan said.
“We have reviewed our river and flood protection systems to ensure they are in good condition and our staff are ready to
respond should the situation worsen. We are liaising with local civil defence units and the Waikato Civil Defence
Emergency Management Group to support any response that may be required.”
Information about rainfall and river levels is available on Environment Waikato’s website, www.ew.govt.nz.
It is also available on the following telephone information lines:
Ohinemuri, Kauaeranga and Waihou – 0832 25 334
Piako, Waitoa, Thames tide – 0832 25 335
Waipa, lower Waikato – 0832 25 336
Taupo Basin, Awakino – 0832 25 337
Calls cost 12 cents per minute from a standard telephone. Calls from cell phones and pay phones are charged at cell
phone and pay phone rates.
PLEASE NOTE: You have received this email because at one time or another you have indicated you wish to receive media
releases by email. If you no longer wish to receive these emails please reply to this email with UNSUBSCRIBE in the
subject line.
For further information, contact:
Stephen Ward
Communications
Environment Waikato
(07) 859 0782
What is Environment Waikato?
Environment Waikato is the regional council for the Waikato region.
The council’s area extends from the Bombay Hills in the north to Mt Ruapehu in the south, and from the mouth of the
Waikato River to Mokau on the west coast, across to the Coromandel Peninsula on the east.
The region contains nationally important electricity generation facilities and an internationally significant dairy
sector. It is also home to iconic natural features which are key tourist attractions.
Environment Waikato’s responsibilities include:
· sustainable management of natural and physical resources, including pest control.
· planning regional growth and transport, and providing bus services.
· civil defence, emergency response, navigation safety, dam safety, flood management, erosion control and road
safety.
ends