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Waihopai & Otepuni Creek tree removal

Environment Southland has an important role in maintaining and protecting the integrity of a large network of stop banks around the region.

The Southland Flood Control and Drainage Management Bylaw 2020 recognises the risks that trees close to stop banks pose and requires vegetation removal if it’s within 7.5 metres of the stop banks.

In accordance with these regulations, a number of trees, including large blue gums and pines, near the Waihōpai River’s stop banks have been identified for removal.

These large trees may cause damage to stop banks in a flood and could potentially lead to the stop banks failing.

The removal of these trees will help protect the stop bank network which is an important asset in the protection of Invercargill from flooding.

Our contractors started maintenance work in January and the next phase is scheduled to begin in October.

The public are able to find out more about our work to maintain the Waihōpai River and Otepuni Stream stop bank networks and the requirement for trees to be removed at Drop-In sessions to be held in October, at the following dates:

Drop-In Session 1 – Tuesday, October 3 – 12noon-1.30pm

Drop-In Session 2 – Wednesday, October 4 – 4.30pm-6pm

The work will require sections of the Waihōpai Walkway to be closed to ensure the public’s safety.

We will be keeping the public informed about these closures through our website and social media channels as our contractors move to each of their work sites.

We’re also working to minimise any disruptions while this work takes place, as well as undertaking a number of safety measures.

Safety fencing will be put in place with spotters working to further ensure safety.

Once the work is complete, repairs will be made to the stop banks and walkways will be reopened.

Large trees growing near stop banks can cause damage to the integrity of the stop bank which, in a flood, could lead to the potential for the stop banks to fail. Under the Southland Flood Control and Drainage Management Bylaw 2020, trees and other vegetation is required to be removed if it's within 7.5 metres of the stop banks.

Stop bank maintenance work is scheduled to begin in October. Contractors will work at key sites where trees have been identified for removal. The public will have the opportunity to find out more about the project at Drop-In sessions which be held on October 3 and October 4.

Anyone seeking more information about the removal of trees from the stop banks of the Waihōpai River is encouraged to attend Drop-In Sessions being held by Environment Southland, at the times below.

Drop-In Session 1 – Tuesday, October 3 – 12noon-1.30pm
Drop-In Session 2 – Wednesday, October 4 – 4.30pm-6pm

The logs and slash from the tree removal will be removed by truck from the site. We are working with community groups who may be able to assist us with the removal any logs that are suitable for firewood purposes.

No other trees or shrubs will be planted in this area as it would be too close to the stop bank and may, in future, affect the integrity of the stop bank. However, in the future there may be the opportunity to add grasses to the toe of the stop bank

The Southland Flood Control and Drainage Management Bylaw 2020 aims to manage and protect the integrity of Environment Southland’s assets like stop banks, detention dams, bridges, culverts and tide gate structures which all assist in controlling flooding and protecting our communities.

You can read more here Southland Flood Control and Drainage Management Bylaw 2020

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