What has happened?

Last summer, heavy rainfall events caused significant erosion at 13 locations along the lower Waitaki River. This means we need to work together with you, and other lower Waitaki residents, to revise the budget for works and/or the level of community protection that can be provided. To fully repair each of these sites would cost about $1 million. This would restore flood and erosion protection measures for the community to the levels in place prior to last summer’s flood events.

At a community meeting in July, most of those who attended confirmed they wanted the $1m work package completed but did not want to pay for it and felt that Meridian should pay the full cost. Subsequently, a meeting was held between Meridian Energy and Environment Canterbury chief executives.

Meridian Energy has confirmed its commitment to contributing 40% of rating district costs as agreed under the current funding model, but no additional funds.