​Works to be Undertaken at Ōpunakē Lake and Waiaua River

Work to remove tree debris and stabilize the embankment between Ōpunakē Lake and the Waiaua River will start on Monday 4 April says South Taranaki District Council (STDC) operations manager property and facilities, Phil Waite.

Mr Waite says the work is being undertaken following the floods that occurred in early February.

“A large pine tree on an embankment separating Ōpunakē Lake from the Waiaua River fell into the river. This caused damage to, and a narrowing of, the embankment between the lake and the river.

Following investigations by Taranaki Regional Council (TRC) and STDC officers it’s been agreed to remove the tree from the river, along with 6-10 other pine trees growing on the embankment.

This will reduce the risk of more trees falling into the river and will and relieve pressure and weight from the embankment.”

Mr Waite says at the same time the water level of the lake will temporarily be lowered.

“This will help avoid the possibility of compromising the embankment any further and enable us to work with the key stakeholders to investigate and design a longer-term solution to protect the embankment.”