“As you will be aware, there has been heightened public interest in how regional and local authorities have managed flood protection and control works during, and in the lead-up to significant weather events,” Mitchell wrote.
“Even when local authorities and staff have done exceptional work to respond to events, the perceived inability to effectively manage the flood protection schemes and waterways has contributed in some places to a lack of public trust in the emergency management system’s ability to prepare for and respond to significant weather events.”
The letter specifically mentioned Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere and Lake Forsyth.
In the aftermath of flooding caused by two months’ worth of rainfall in eastern Selwyn over 48 hours, debate has emerged over whether opening Lake Ellesmere earlier could have reduced the damage.
Environment Canterbury chair Craig Pauling told Selwyn Times it was in the process of preparing a response to Mitchell.
“We are confident our opening decision-making processes are robust, but are planning to meet with representatives from Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu and the Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere consultation group soon to debrief and discuss future management approaches.”
The opening of Lake Ellesmere is governed by the National Water Conservation (Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere) Order 1990.
Under the order, the lake can be opened anytime from April 1 to June 15 to assist fish passage. Otherwise it can be opened between April 1 and July 31, only when it reaches a water level of 1.13m.
Selwyn Times recently reported community concerns about the increase in subdivisions worsening the impact of floods.
Said Pauling: “We’re also working with our communities to review how we manage and fund flood and river resilience so we can strengthen and have appropriate infrastructure into the future.”
Mitchell’s letter also asked councils to identify any additional regulatory powers they may need. Pauling said ECan was considering this as part of its response.
However, Mayor Sam Broughton said no additional powers were necessary.
“The council currently has a strong framework of legal instruments to respond to a weather emergency, and we are not looking for any additional legislative levers to enhance our response.”
A Christchurch City Council spokesperson said staff were working on a response to Mitchell’s letter and could not comment further until it was complete.
