To be prepared for potential flooding, Whakatāne District Council will be working to lower the sand fuse at the mouth of the Whakatāne River next week.

During heavy rainfall events, the river must be able to break through the fuse between the spit and Turuturu Roimata (Statue Rock), so that floodwaters can drain away faster, reducing the likelihood of upriver flooding.

This means the sand build-up at the fuse needs to be reduced occasionally.

The work is expected to take two to three days to complete, weather dependant, and will comply with Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council flood preparedness requirements.

Contractors will be working within the prohibited area of the spit. All care will be taken to achieve this work without causing harm to precious, endangered nesting shore birds.