A community reference group is set to help reduce the risk and impact of future storm events in Ngongotahā.

In a joint statement from the Rotorua Lakes Council and the Bay of Plenty, it was outlined how the Ngongotahā Community Reference Group had held its inaugural meeting. First set up as a response to the independent review of the severe weather event in April 2018, the group aims to provide advice and recommendations to both councils, as well as lead community engagement and consultation around the development of plans for short/medium and long-term actions.

“I think we have a really diverse group with a wide breadth of local knowledge,” project coordinator Elva Conroy said. “It was great to get everyone in the same room to discuss where to go from here. Everyone is really passionate and wants to get stuck in.”

The group decided to meet monthly and will receive updates on key things happening in the catchment area. Among the work already undertaken and in progress includes:

• A new rain gauge installed on Mt Ngongotahā to provide earlier flood warnings;
• Catchment modelling work to assess the risks of flooding from different storm scenarios - this is continuing;
• Other Rotorua streams being modelled for flood risk assessment and potential intervention works;
• Ensuring land development and consenting processes are well integrated in both councils;
• Streambed repair and maintenance work on all streams running through urban areas, affected by the April 2018 storm event;
• And the creation of a Ngongotahā community emergency response plan.