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HEAD OF LAKE WHAKATIPU

COMMUNITY UPDATE 39 | AUGUST 2024

Kia ora koutou,

In this edition we invite you to join us at the Glenorchy Hall over 10 and 11 September to hear about the findings of two new studies and ask our team any questions you may have about them. The studies are:

• Glenorchy and Kinloch Risk Analysis

• Rees and Dart Floodplain Interventions

Before we come to Glenorchy, we’ll be presenting the findings of these reports to our councillors at a workshop on Thursday, 29 August. You will be able to watch this workshop on ORC’s YouTube channel (details below).

The community event in September will include a presentation (available in person and online), an interactive drop-in session, and opportunities to speak privately with our team. We look forward to seeing you there.

New studies explore risk and floodplain interventions  

The Glenorchy and Kinloch Risk Analysis builds on work we have done previously to understand the hazards.

What’s the difference between natural hazards and natural hazards risk?

Natural hazards are normal processes of nature. Risk looks at what happens when natural hazards interact with things that we value – including places, property and infrastructure. Understanding risk gives us a more detailed picture of what impacts natural hazard events might have on us and our communities.

The risk analysis looks at multiple hazards, including a range of possible flood and earthquake events, so that we can:

• Better understand different levels of risk to property and people.

• Better understand the risks in the Head of the Lake area compared to other places.

• Use this information to consider practical ways to reduce risk and adapt to environmental changes.

Image: The Glenorchy and Kinloch Risk Analysis study areas.

The Rees and Dart Floodplain Interventions study explores how feasible some engineering and nature-based interventions are for managing hazards and adapting to environmental changes.

This study looks at some possible ways to manage and reduce flood and erosion risk on the Rees and Dart floodplains and asks, ‘how practical and useful might these interventions be?’

It is important information to assist decision making about what actions councils can take to build resilience now and in the long term.

Both studies are also important pieces of work for helping to build resilience for your whānau, your community and future generations to come.

Image: The Dart-Rees floodplain flowing into Lake Whakatipu.

Presenting the findings to the community 

On Thursday, 29 August, we will be presenting the findings of the two studies to ORC councillors.  
 

You will be able to view this workshop from Friday, 30 August, on ORC’s YouTube channel. 
 
We will then be coming to Glenorchy to present these findings to the community on 10 and 11 September – come along to our community presentation and drop-in session! 

Hear about these two studies, ask your questions, and have a go at building adaptation pathways.  
 

Community presentation  

7pm | Tuesday, 10 September | Glenorchy Hall  

Join us to learn more about the findings of the Glenorchy and Kinloch risk analysis and the intervention study for the Rees and Dart floodplains – ask our team any questions.  

Microsoft Teams livestream option          

You‘ll need to register before the online presentation starts to access the link. Once you have registered, you will receive a confirmation email with the livestream link.   

Drop-in session  

2–7pm | Wednesday, 11 September | Glenorchy Hall 

What might future adaptation look like and how can we work towards it? Play the adaptation township game and have a go at building a pathway to a more resilient Head of the Lake community. Take another opportunity to ask our team any questions.

Interested, but can’t make it to the presentation or drop-in session?  
Some private appointments are available on 10–11 September. Book by emailing headofthelake@orc.govt.nz. 

Image: A scene from the Glenorchy community workshop in August 2023.

When is the next opportunity to get involved? 

Your feedback is appreciated as we work to come up with a strategy for adapting to and managing some of these hazards.  

By the end of the year, we aim to complete a draft version of a Natural Hazards Adaptation Strategy for the Head of the Lake area. 

 
This strategy will guide adaptation planning and inform decision making for the long-term future of this area. As part of developing the strategy, we need to bring together all the building blocks we’ve created so far, including technical studies, the risk analysis, socio-economic impact assessments, and community engagement. 

The next opportunity for your input will be giving feedback on the draft strategy. This is expected to be ready in early 2025.

Image: The Rees River bridge.

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.