The clean-up following winter’s two big storms continues, with one area of focus being the badly hit Motueka River.
Tonnes of debris were washed off the land and dumped on the river’s banks by raging flood waters.
Over the past couple of weeks, crews from Nelmac Kūmānu have been working on both sides of the river, starting from Alexander Bluff Bridge, cleaning up rubbish by hand and with machinery.
An experienced kayaker was also used to safely retrieve waste material that couldn’t be reached from the riverbanks.
The collected waste comprised a broad range of materials, including plastics, timber, horticultural netting, pallets, tyres, as well as general household and agricultural items.
Meanwhile, the announcement of an extension of the Enhanced Taskforce Green programme has been welcomed by our Recovery team.
The Government is providing an additional funding boost of $300,000 to support the ongoing clean-up work in Tasman District and extend the programme until December.
This is on top of the original $500,000 and will enable local job seekers to continue the clean-up and return to those properties that need more support.
It will support these job seekers with the cost of living and give them work experience and the opportunity to transition to seasonal horticulture work without returning to the benefit.
Since the start of the programme, around 60 properties have registered as requiring support due to major property damage. Enhanced Taskforce Green provides support of up to three days for each property.