The winter of 2022, infamously remembered for its relentless rain.
Heavy bouts became a familiar feature during the cooler months, creating sodden conditions throughout the Hurunui District.
Operations Committee chairperson Fiona Harris recognised the utilities, roading and maintenance teams often went ‘above and beyond’ to help Hurunui’s communities with flood prevention, so essential services could continue to operate.
Teams worked around the clock keeping coastal communities safe, making sure the drainage systems, rivers and lagoons being fed by heavy stormwater flows were clear and opened to the sea before they reached capacity levels. Making sure key water services’ infrastructure was coping with frequent record-breaking rainfall also kept them busy.
Contractors helped the teams by ensuring at-capacity sewerage networks continued to provide an uninterrupted service, even while large power cuts affected many pump stations in the area south of Waipara.
“Staff worked all hours, so people in the Hurunui District could carry on unhindered with necessities like washing dishes and using the bathroom, all the while having peace of mind that service interruptions were minimised,” said Cr Harris.
