Ideas plentiful at streamside workshops
Communities in the Waiwhetu and Awamutu stream areas have turned out in droves to share their ideas for how the Waiwhetu
and Awamutu should be managed in the future.
Approximately 80 people attended a series of streamside community workshops last Sunday (28 November) at which they had
the opportunity to hear about potential structural and non-structural options for future stream management, and also to
share their ideas for other options that could be considered as part of the Waiwhetu Floodplain Management Plan,
currently being developed.
Getting hands-on with environmental and ecological enhancement was high on the list for participants, and many
constructive ideas for managing the flood risk were put forward.
“Local knowledge of the streams is invaluable in developing this plan,” says Greater Wellington Regional Councillor Prue
Lamason.
“The turnout on Sunday was just fantastic and sends a strong message that the community really wants to take ownership
of the Floodplain Management Plan. They are concerned about the possibility of future flooding and the impact of climate
change, and they're attracted to the idea of creating a pleasant environment for future generations – it’s wonderful to
see such a high level of interest in something so important.”
ENDS