Recovery Update – 31 July 2026

Waitaki District Council and Civil Defence continue to make progress with Waitaki’s recovery following the 1-in10-year rain event in early July.

Work is now underway to ascertain the financial costs of welfare provided and work undertaken during the State of Emergency, and the resulting repair, remediation and other work taking place during the Recovery period.

Waitaki District Council will be making a claim under Section 33 of the Guide to the National Civil Defence Emergency Management Plan.

Section 33 allows Councils to claim welfare costs and 60% of eligible essential infrastructure repair costs from the Government. Waitaki District Council will be responsible for the remaining 40%.

Cape Wanbrow Reserve has ongoing walking track and carpark maintenance requirements following the rain event. A contractor is expected to be on-site next week to begin work.

Council is liaising with Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) around funding and repairs to the Alps2Ocean trail, with the long-term aim of a more resilient trail.

Council will also be making an application to NZTA Waka Kotahi to discuss potential stormwater management improvements, although the exact design and outcome is yet to be determined.

Civil Defence and Council are also working together to establish a new welfare coordination group for Oamaru, to improve community resilience and preparedness for any future civil defence emergencies that may occur.