Alan Ernest

I think John Howard, “Man-made climate change disaster, Beacon letters, october 2, raises some very valid points regarding the Awakeri structure plan and the suitability of the area for development. I have some further points to make.

The area chosen for new housing is amongst the most fertile and productive land in the district.

It is zoned Rural 1, which under Whakatāne District Council’s zoning regulations, means these highly versatile soils should be protected for agricultural activities.

It is currently used for dairy support, horticulture, beef and maize production, all these uses contributing to New Zealand’s vital export receipts.

How do you weigh up the need for housing, versus food production?

Also, what will now become of the land not wanted for housing because of its tendency for flooding?

Without the balance of higher and lower land the affected farms currently have, the farming potential of this lower land will be much reduced.

The increased runoff in severe rain events from all the non-absorbent surfaces of high-density housing (some sections at 300 square metres) will likely necessitate the need for a pumping station at the confluence of Greenups drain and the Te Rahu Canal, further loading the already under-capacity canal, resulting in more frequent and severe spillovers into the Te Rahu basin, impacting on the productivity of this area.

It seems to me, surrounding farmers and ratepayers will likely be burdened with the downstream effects of this development.