Work to remove a build-up of sand on the spit adjacent to the Whakatāne River mouth will start this Wednesday, 8 May to reduce the potential for upstream flooding issues during extreme rain events.

Team Leader Ports and Harbours Mark Read says 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.

“Our resource consent for the western spit wall requires that the height of the sand be managed so that flood flows can break through that area, reducing the risk of flooding in built-up areas.”

He explains, “This means that to comply with Bay of Plenty Regional Council flood preparedness requirements the sand build-up at the fuse needs to be reduced occasionally.”

From Wednesday, contractors will move heavy machinery from Ohuirehe Road eastwards along the beach to reach the spit before commencing the work. Heavy machinery will operate between the Ōpihi Spit and Turuturu Roimata (Statue Rock) for approximately 2-3 days (weather dependant), between the hours of 7am and 5pm.

Council is working with the Department of Conservation to ensure that shorebird nesting habitats are protected. People using the spit during the work period are asked to keep themselves, and animals in their care away from the cordoned area.