Marlborough Recovery Update #19, Friday 3 February 2023

If you know someone without internet access who is unable to read this update, please ask them to phone Council on 03 520 7400 and provide their name and postal address. We will ensure a hard copy of the Marlborough Recovery Update is posted to them.

August weather event

The Marlborough recovery continues following the August 2022 weather event.

Thirty three properties in Marlborough have red stickers, 66 yellow and 24 have white due to the damage sustained, which was more extensive and widespread than the July 2021 weather event.

Sounds’ community workshops well attended

There was a big turnout at a series of community workshops held this week to gather information and ideas from Sounds’ residents, ratepayers and businesses about how to provide a safe and resilient transport system for the Sounds into the future. Meetings took place at French Pass, Rai Valley, Havelock and Picton, with a further two meetings scheduled today for the Kenepuru community at Portage and Waitaria Bay.

Some community organisations and stakeholders also met with the project team at a workshop last week in Havelock. An online Zoom meeting will take place next Wednesday afternoon.

A project team, made up of Council and engineering consultancy Stantec staff, asked attendees for their thoughts on how people could get in and out of the Sounds in the future. They also sought ideas and alternative options and feedback about where improvements or interventions may be able to solve the identified problems.

While workshop attendees recognised the frequency and intensity of storm events is changing for the worse, many would simply like the damaged roading network to be reinstated. However, the cost of this is prohibitive for Council and therefore requires a business case to be made to central Government for funding.

Part of the problem is that for most Sounds’ roads there is no alternative overland route should access be compromised. Many attendees recognised there is potential for more water-based access in the future.

Attendees’ feedback will be collated, and a series of options developed by Council and Stantec. Council will then have discussions with Waka Kotahi and come back to the community with a number of proposed options, in April or May this year. A preferred option will then be identified.

The road into French Pass where Tuesday’s meeting was held

*A packed Havelock Hall for Wednesday’s meeting*

Marlborough Sounds Future Access Study survey launched

An online survey for the Marlborough Sounds Future Access Study has opened.

Council has embarked on the study to support the case for funding safe and resilient long-term access solutions for storm-affected areas of the Sounds. The survey is for Sounds residents, homeowners and businesses and is designed to help inform future transport options in and out of the Sounds.

People are encouraged to fill out the survey online which closes at 5.00 pm on Wednesday 22 February.

Mayor Nadine Taylor encourages the Sounds community to provide their views through the survey.

“Over the next month, the project team from Council and engineering consultancy Stantec, will gather the community’s views collated from the survey and public meetings, before analysing them.”

“While there will be another opportunity to provide feedback later in the study, the survey will help set the foundation for addressing the Sounds’ access issues,” says Mayor Taylor.

Go to the online survey

For more information about the Marlborough Sounds Future Access Study and the August 2022 storm event recovery visit our Marlborough Sounds Future Access Study page:

Go to our Marlborough Sounds Future Access Study page

People are encouraged to fill out the survey online. If this is not possible, please call the Council on Ph: 03 520 7400 and they will arrange for a staff member to help you complete the survey over the phone.

Social Recovery hui

Last Thursday a number of agencies and individuals from throughout Marlborough attended a hui via Zoom – the first for this year. Representatives from all areas including Council’s recovery team, Rural Women, the farming community and aid agencies participated.

The hui proved collaboration is alive and well in Marlborough as agencies continue to work together to support local communities impacted by last year’s floods.

Waitangi Day

The recovery team will be on leave on Waitangi Day (Monday), but the Council Customer Service call centre is available 24 hours on 03 520 7400 for anything urgent.

MCVT car being returned

For the past few months, the Marlborough Community Vehicle Trust has made a car available for property owners impacted by last year’s floods. The car has been parked at Havelock Marina. The last date for use of the car is Sunday 26 February – contact Ian Cameron on ianc.cameron@xtra.co.nz or 03 574 2558.

A big thank you to the MCVT for the loan of the car, to Ian Cameron for helping with bookings and to Steve McKeown for allocating a free car parking space at Havelock Marina.

Mayoral Relief fund

The Mayoral Relief Fund, announced after last year’s disastrous floods is still available to those impacted. Those yet to apply please complete the form as soon a possible or anyone with increased needs is urged to contact floodrelief.applications@marlborough.govt.nz

If you were affected by the August floods and suffered personal financial or emotional hardship, then you may be eligible. Priority is given to essentials for daily life (not loss of earnings), costs not covered by insurance or other funds and where there is financial burden due to the storm event.

Go to our August 2022 Storm Event Mayoral Relief Fund page

Calendar

Marlborough Sounds Future Access Study community meetings

Friday 3 February – 9am to 11.00 am – the Portage Hotel Kenepuru Sound

Friday 3 February – 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm – Waitaria Bay Hall

Wednesday 8 February – 5.30 pm – 7.00 pm – Zoom online meeting" https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83594599876

Waitangi Day

Monday 6 February. Reminder to book water taxis.

Insurance/EQCover Drop-In Day

Wednesday 15 February from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm at the Havelock Town Hall.

Your chance to talk one-on-one with representatives from insurance companies, Council and EQCover.

Registrations are essential - Email recovery@marlborough.govt.nz with your name, property address, contact details, your insurance company and claim number. Your personal information will be kept confidential.

If you’re unable to attend on the day, but would like help, please contact MDC Recovery Navigators on recovery@marlborough.govt.nz

Hato Hone St John courses

These are designed to teach you how to support work colleagues, friends and family members who may be experiencing mental distress and equip you with skills to build your own mental fitness. There is no cost and tea, coffee and lunch are included.

Waitaria Bay - 21 February 9.30 am to 3.00 pm

Portage - 22 February 8.30 am to 4.30 pm

Linkwater - 23 February 9.30 am to 3.00 pm

If you’re interested, please contact Charlotte on email recovery@marlborough.govt.nz or phone 027 213 0341. Registrations are essential.

Roading update

Works being carried out this week include investigation drilling at Duncan and Okiwi Bays along with stabilisation and sealing on French Pass. The construction of Noel's Bridge on Northbank Road continues this week as does improved access works on Kenepuru Road between Tara Bay Road and Nikau Cove.

There will be no works undertaken on Waitangi weekend, from Saturday 4 February to Monday 6 February.

Kenepuru Road

Both construction closures on Kenepuru Road between Tara Bay and Nikau Cove will finish at 5.00 pm Thursday 2 February. These closures will not resume next week, with works continuing undertaken under stop/go traffic management. Please expect delays.

Kenepuru Road, between Moetapu Bay Road and The Heads, remains accessible to residents and emergency services only.

Information

To check the status of any local road in Marlborough visit Marlborough District Council's CDEM Map and click on the road for more information.

Go to the Marlborough District Council’s CDEM Map

To contact the Marlborough Roads Recovery Team email recovery@marlboroughroads.com or phone 0800 213 213 between 8.00 am - 5.00 pm, Monday to Friday.