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HEAD OF LAKE WHAKATIPU

COMMUNITY UPDATE 31 | NOVEMBER 2023

Kia ora koutou,

Here is our programme update for November, which includes information about the next ORC Safety and Resilience committee meeting and where to find our report.

We also have a summary of findings from the recently completed Buckler Burn flood hazard assessment report, and the revised community outcomes based on your feedback.

The independent social impact assessment is now underway, so keep an eye out for more information about opportunities to engage.

In this edition, we also introduce you to some more members of our team.

ORC Safety and Resilience Committee meeting happening on Thursday, 9 November

On Thursday, 9 November, we will be presenting a report to the ORC Safety and Resilience Committee to update ORC councillors about the Head of Lake Whakatipu work programme.

Key updates in our report include feedback from the community engagement in August, the September 20–22 flood response, the current social impact assessment, and the recently completed Buckler Burn flood hazard assessment report.

You will be able to access this committee report via the committee meeting agenda from today here. In Appendices 1 and 2, you will find a summary and the full Buckler Burn flood hazard assessment report.

You can also follow the discussion of the report at the ORC Safety and Resilience Committee meeting from 1pm on Thursday, 9 November here.

Image: The Buckler Burn stream and alluvial fan with Glenorchy township located on the northern side of the stream’s active channel (May 2018).

What’s in the Buckler Burn report?

A flood hazard assessment to better understand the flooding characteristics (e.g. floodwater extent, depth, velocity) and potential impacts of the flooding hazard from the Buckler Burn for the Glenorchy township has been completed by Land River Sea Consulting Ltd (LRS).

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The findings of this investigation confirm the Buckler Burn does present a potential flooding hazard to the township. The findings also provide a much higher level of detail of the Buckler Burn flooding hazards than the previous flood modelling study.

Modelled floodwater depths in the residential parts of the township are generally relatively shallow (less than 0.5 metres depth) – even in the largest magnitude scenarios modelled – with the exception being the deeper and faster floodwaters modelled along the line of some roads.   

This new flood hazard investigation for the Buckler Burn, together with the flood hazard study completed in 2022 for the Dart-Rees floodplain, completes ORC’s updated flooding hazard assessments for the three main flooding sources which may impact Glenorchy: the Rees River, Lake Whakatipu, and the Buckler Burn. 

ORC is now reviewing the potential approaches to managing the flood hazard from the Buckler Burn. These are being assessed in a similar high-level approach to that carried out for the Dart-Rees floodplain.

Revised community outcomes

We have revised the community outcomes statements based on feedback from the August community workshops and the online survey. Thank you to all those who came along to the workshops or completed the survey. Your feedback has been really valuable in ensuring these outcomes reflect the community, as shown below.

Image: View from the Glenorchy Lagoon.

Social impact assessment update – get involved

The independent social impact assessment is now underway. As part of the assessment, the Beca team, led by Social Outcomes Specialists Jo Healy and Kaitlyn Stringer, will be out and about in the Head of Lake Whakatipu area to hear from you.

To assist with their research, the Social Outcomes Specialists will be issuing a short survey of residents and businesses. They will also be visiting Glenorchy in early November to engage with some businesses, community organisations and the wider community through interviews, focus groups, and drop-in sessions.

All forms of engagement will build on information we have provided to you so far and aim to understand your views and experiences of natural hazard risks and resilience, how the community functions, and what you value.

Keep an eye out on the Glenorchy Community Response New Zealand Facebook group, the Glenorchy Community Page, and the weekly community newsletter for more information about these opportunities to engage.

Why are we undertaking this social impact assessment?

Social impacts refer to changes to the wellbeing of individuals and communities, which occur when human actions or natural events alter the way people live, work, play, and participate as a member of society. Social impacts be negative or positive. This information will help us inform our decision-making and adaptation pathways.

Meet the Team

Ann Conroy – Team Leader Natural Hazards Adaptation

Image: Ann Conroy

Ann joined the Head of Lake Whakatipu team in April, and she is focused on combining all the technical, science and engagement building blocks to deliver an adaptation strategy.  

She is a keen skier, hiker and horse rider, and is looking forward to further exploring the many glories of the South Island this summer.  

Ann crossed the ditch to take up a newly created role of Team Lead Natural Hazards Adaptation at ORC. She has extensive experience in flood hazard, emergency response, and hydrology.

Simon Robinson – Team Leader Natural Hazards Analysis

Image: Simon Robinson

Simon joined the Head of Lake Whakatipu ORC team in May. He leads the Natural Hazards Analysis Team, which has a focus on gaining a better understanding of the natural hazards in the area and developing a comprehensive strategic response to them.

Simon has extensive experience as a geologist. After studying at Otago University, he has spent the last 11 years in the resource industry in Australia, Papua New Guinea, and New Zealand before joining the Otago Regional Council. He enjoys hunting, fishing, jiu jitsu and bushwalks with his two young children.

Feel free to email Ann or Simon via headofthelake@orc.govt.nz or say hello next time you see them out and about!

As always, we value your feedback

This adaptation programme was initiated because complex, increasing natural hazards in the Head of Lake Whakatipu require a comprehensive management response that takes a long-term view and encompasses all types of natural hazards.

This is your community, and we want to work with you to develop understanding and resilience. Check here to learn more about the whole programme.

If you have questions or need information, visit our website to see the reports and get answers.

You can also speak to a member of the ORC Natural Hazards team on 0800 474 082 or email us for more information at headofthelake@orc.govt.nz.

We will provide responses to any emailed questions and facilitate answers from our consultants if needed.

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Contacts

If you have any questions or would like to get in touch with us, please email us at headofthelake@orc.govt.nz.