Waih¯opai River stop bank upgrade under way

CONSTRUCTION work to improve the Waiho¯pai River stop bank is under way in Invercargill with completion estimated by June.

Environment Southland catchment operations manager Randal Beal said stop banks were a critical part of Southland’s flood defences, and the Waiho¯pai stop bank was paramount for providing protection from the anticipated impacts of climate change.

The work was focused on the stop bank on the eastern side of the river, between Stead St and the rail crossing at the north end of Philip St, she said.

‘‘On the Waiho¯pai, we are preparing for higher water levels from storm surges, sea level rise and inundation by widening, and raising the height of this section of the stop bank.

‘‘This work also provides us with an opportunity to further raise the height if it’s needed in the future, as our understanding of the impacts of climate change and climate models change over time.’’

This section of stop bank was about 3.2km long and was a combination of reclaimed land and constructed stop bank, she said.

Improvements included strengthening and raising the height of the stop bank, as well as installing riprap rock.

The cycle track would also be rebuilt and widened to 2.5m.

Each section of stop bank will have diversions in place for cyclists and pedestrians while the work is done and traffic management would be in place.

The upgrade was part of the Resilient River Communities project, which are climate resilience projects delivered by Environment Southland.

Cofunded by Environment Southland and central government, through Ka¯noa (the regional economic development and investment unit within the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment), the project was part of central government’s 2020 budget, which included $210 million for climate resilience and flood protection projects across New Zealand.

SENTENCES imposed by community magistrate Sally O’Brien in the Invercargill District Court on Thursday were.—

Blain Christopher Johnstone (27), dairy worker, of Mokotua, theft of petrol, Gore, July 4; shoplifting, Gore, August 14; shoplifting Invercargill, September 7; shoplifting, Invercargill, September 9; 12 months’ deferred sentence, reparation $674.98.

Mereana Louise Peek (30), of Invercargill, driving in a dangerous manner, driving while unlicensed, failing to stop, Dunedin, October 1, fined $1800, court costs $130, disqualified 12 months.

Clayton Hautonga Rangi (20), of Morton Mains, drinkdriving (134mg), dangerous driving, Invercargill, October 24, eight weeks’ community detention, eight months’ supervision, reparation $11,630.80, analyst costs $119.99, disqualified eight months.

Jessica Ashley Tokana (26), of Invercargill, driving while suspended, Invercargill, December 17, court costs $130, disqualified six months.

Glen Raymond Hillis (41), joiner, of Invercargill, drinkdriving (600mcg), Invercargill, January 1, fined $540, court costs $130, disqualified six months.

David Hugh Gibson (24), farm worker, of Otautau, drinkdriving (540mcg), Invercargill, January 28, fined $450, court costs $130, disqualified six months.

Shane David Arthur (45), shop assistant, of Tisbury, drinkdriving (527mcg), Invercargill, December 15, fined $450, court costs $130, disqualified six months.

Jacob Benjamin Isaac GregoryHunt (19), freezing worker, of Invercargill, drinkdriving (538mcg), Invercargill, January 1, fined $450, disqualified six months.

Matthew David Anderton (34), of Otautau, drinkdriving (539mcg), Otautau, January 1, fined $430, court costs $130, disqualified six months.

Binu Pullolithadathil Gopalakrishnan (45), of Invercargill, drinkdriving (942mcg), Winton, fined $480, court costs $130, disqualified 28 days, alcohol interlock provisions. — PIJF court reporter Karen Pasco