21 March 2012

N E W S R E L E A S E

Wind Storm Clean-Up Begins


Pukekura Park remains closed today as areas that are dangerous to the public are made safe.

However, New Plymouth Airport is operating normally again after yesterday’s wind storm.

Curator Pukekura Park Chris Connolly says the clean-up has started in the city’s 52ha park.

“There are a lot of areas in the park where there’s dangerous tree material in the canopy. We’re prioritising which areas to go into first, and we’re encouraging people to not come into the park until we’ve cleared it away,” he says.

“Some areas are just too dangerous for the public to go into.”

Both the Fernery and Display Houses and Brooklands Zoo will remain closed until further notice.

The public are advised to use other parks and walkways with caution as the Council is still assessing many sites around the district. If anyone sees broken or hanging branches, please contact NPDC.

Manager Airport Kevin Hill says there is a lot of tree damage around the airport, but airplanes are operating as usual today.

“We had to clear the tarmac three times yesterday of debris and building material which blew in, but we’re fully operational today,” says Mr Hill.

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