Safety concerns prompt demolition of flood-affected pensioner units

Seven Waihī Beach elder housing units will be demolished, as they are deemed unsafe for tenants to move back into.

The flash flooding in May 2023 impacted dozens of homes, including Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s 11 units between Jenkinson Street and Beach Road. All tenants were evacuated at the time.

Council’s Team Leader, Property, Nigel Sadlier says the decision to demolish some of the units was not made lightly.

“The seven units not being rebuilt are lower down on the site, which makes them subject to surface overflows as well as flooding.

“We have explored all our options, knowing these units are homes. Ultimately, the tenants’ safety is our number one priority. We are not willing to put people back in these units after the significant weather event, after revising the risks for these homes.”

Council has found suitable accommodation for the tenants who cannot return to the Waihī Beach site.

Vital repairs have been completed for the remaining four units at this site, which have been deemed safe in a review at the same time. Tenants moved back in last month.

Properties have been stripped of all damaged wall linings, insulation, cabinetry, and bathroom fixtures – all of which have been replaced as new by Classic Builders.

“We are comfortable moving tenants back into these repaired homes, because they are higher up. Their flood risk is reduced, when compared to the units that are to be demolished. Minor improvements to the drain will also further mitigate the risk,” explains Nigel.

The seven units will be demolished when a suitable contractor has been engaged.

Flash flooding occurred on 29 May 2023, with 67 mm of rain falling at the water treatment plant on Wilson Road between 1:08pm and 2:32pm.

The stormwater network does not have the capacity to deal with the amount of rain that fell. Typically, Council’s piped network is designed to cater for a one-in-five-year storm event. The overland flow path, where stormwater should flow when the underground pipes can no longer cope, is designed for a one-in-50-year event.

Council is also working to prioritise and plan a range of stormwater projects in Waihī Beach, aiming to safeguard the community’s from future events. Updates on these projects can be viewed on Council’s website.

This decision was discussed by Council earlier today. You can view the kōrero online, at 41 mins 25 secs.