7 May 2024. Auckland Council has been working to clear debris out of the Kumeu River that could block water flowing during any potential future flood event.
Council used drones to assess the Kumeu River catchment following the severe weather events in early 2023. This was then followed-up by work to clear streams to an acceptable level to reduce future flood risk.
Many properties in Kumeu/Huapai, Parakai and Helensville are on a flood plains. These affected properties will flood again. Council cannot stop the flooding. Landowners with the risk of flooding must remain prepared for such an event happening again.
The January 27 storm that hit Auckland broke all previous rainfall records and caused widespread damage, mostly from flooding and landslides. While climate change may help to explain the intensity of the rainfall, the way land has been used and built on in is a major factor in what occurred.
Properties once able to be consented in the past on certain land susceptible to potential flooding would not be able to be consented under new Council zoning planning rules.
The Council flood maps were 100 percent accurate in determining how the area was going to flood. Unfortunately for many families, the floods acted exactly as was foreshadowed. These flood maps are available to view on the Auckland Council web site – “Check for flood risks before you buy or build”.
Council received a lot of feedback that locals believed the river was partially responsible for the flooding because the previous Rodney District Council used to keep it clear of debris.
The Council has now removed large trees, many willow trees and other debris, and has weed-sprayed a large extent of the riverbanks between Riverhead Road and Oraha Road.
It has also removed dead trees and vegetation from the area behind the old sand works.
Council staff continue to proactively visit the river conducting walk-overs accompanied by contractors, to see if there is anything else that needs to be done.
To assist water escape into the Kaipara Harbour large areas have been weed-sprayed by helicopter north of Helensville removing riverside weeds that were building up across the river and acting like a bung. Their removal stops water pressure building further upstream at Huapai and Kumeu, helping protect properties by allowing the river water to flow freely. Also low lying farmland will be better protected.
Local groups are busy setting up automatic alert systems to warn of rapid increases in the river water levels, and its contributory streams, so we have additional warning time of localised floods when they occur.
Many families have still not fully recovered from the devastation of the 2023 floods.
Insurance companies are beginning to refuse insuring some buildings. Banks are not lending money as readily on many affected houses. The stress and ongoing suffering is still very difficult for many families in our community.
Auckland Council’s Recovery Office will continue to work with people around the risk assessment and categorisation of private properties. If you, or your family needs help, Auckland Council is available to support you. Please email navigators@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz or call toll free on 09 3010101.