Te Hoiere community shows strength

The Te Hoiere Project focus has shifted from building new fences and planting seedlings to supporting people and helping fix damage from the August floods.

The Te Hoiere/Pelorus, Tunakino, Opouri, Ronga, Kaiuma, Kaituna and Wakamarino catchments were badly damaged by floodwater. River and streambanks were scoured back to rock and farmland covered with silt, gravel and logs.

Council Catchment Coordinator Aubrey Tai and Ngāti Kuia kaitiaki ranger Shannon Huntley were on the ground assessing what help was needed and giving a hand. Plants were rescued from flood debris and re-staked where possible. Fences were cleared and repaired to keep stock contained and out of waterways, with help from Taskforce Green.

Te Hoiere Project Manager Heli Wade said the flooding highlighted the need for ongoing planting.

“Trees really help, holding soil in banks and slowing down floodwater flows. Their root networks stabilised banks with established plantings, like underground nets.”

Rai Valley Farm Source helped distribute about 150 meals cooked each day by Te Hora Marae and Rai Valley School. The Miller’s Rest in Rai Valley hosted Rai, Canvastown and Havelock residents at a free "Bugger the floods" event held by the NZ Rural Support Trust to connect people needing and offering help.

Anyone suffering personal, financial or emotional hardship after the floods and subsequent road closure is encouraged to apply to the Marlborough Mayoral Relief Fund.