Wednesday 18 January 2017
Rangitikei River Land Slip Affecting River Flows
Rangitikei River slip site, taken at 9am 18 January 2017
Horizons Regional Council received a phone call from a member of the public at 6.40am this morning, to alert our
emergency response team of a significant slip in the Rangitikei River north of Mangaweka. This slip appears to have
initially blocked the entire river channel.
Horizons Regional Council Emergency Operation Centre controller Craig Grant says a visual assessment of the area has
been carried out by council staff, along with a review of catchment data information for normal flows in this part of
the river.
“Following our assessment of the site, we have determined that while the slip is predominately covering the river’s
width, the water has already cut a 10 metre wide path to allow water through,” says Mr Craig.
“We have no immediate concerns of this slip building up a wall of water or breaching the natural dam, and therefore
advice there is no current concern for public safety.
“However, anyone downstream of the site is asked to be aware of changes to both flow and clarity of the river over the
next few days.
“We will continue to monitor the situation, but predict the slip will eventually erode itself away as part of its
natural course.
“This area is a beautiful part of our Region, and is particularly popular for camping and swimming.
“Rivers can be unpredictable, and slips such as this one can occur often. We would like to remind people that before
they enter the water to always check for strong or unusual currents, hidden hazards, and potentially dangerous banks and
cliffs.
For anybody who notices a potential hazard in our waterways are asked to ring Horizons’ hotline on 0508 800 800.
Ends