Wednesday 12 February 2025
Otago Regional Council’s Natural Hazards team will be in Glenorchy on 13 and 14 February to talk face to face with the community about the Draft Head of Lake Whakatipu Natural Hazards Strategy.
ORC’s Manager Natural Hazards Jean-Luc Payan says the Draft Strategy marks an important milestone for the Head of Lake Whakatipu natural hazards adaptation programme and stressed the importance of community feedback.
“Members of the community are invited to come along to a presentation about the Draft Strategy at 7pm on Thursday, 13 February at the Glenorchy Hall.
“The presentation will include information about existing responses, a future toolbox, the action plan, and implementation, with an opportunity for people to ask us any questions. The session will also be livestreamed and recorded for those who cannot attend in person.”
Dr Payan says the team will also be available for community members at an informal drop-in session, also at the Glenorchy Hall, from 2pm – 7pm on Friday, 14 February.
“Key parts of the Draft Strategy will be on display and people can drop in whenever it suits them. We’re really encouraging people to take this opportunity to give their feedback in person.
“A quick and easy feedback form is also available at orc.govt.nz/holwfeedback. People can respond to as many or as few questions as they like, but we encourage them to explain their answers wherever possible so we can see things from their point of view.”
The proposed vision of the Draft Strategy is a resilient and sustainable Head of Lake Whakatipu, where proactive natural hazard and climate adaptation enhance community wellbeing and safety and contribute to a flourishing environment.
All feedback will be considered by ORC and will help to improve the strategy to make it practical and effective. The first iteration of the strategy is expected to be finalised in mid-2025, with timing subject to the feedback on the draft documents.
The Draft Strategy is available online at www.orc.govt.nz/holwfeedback.
How to give your feedback:
The feedback period runs until 11.59pm, 23 February 2025.
The landscape at the head of Lake Whakatipu is made up of the mountains, streams, floodplains and large rivers feeding into the lake – this magnificent natural setting makes the area an attractive place to live in or visit. However, it also means that this area is exposed to many natural hazard risks.
What's your vision for a resilient Head of Lake Whakatipu? Give your feedback on the Draft Natural Hazards Adaptation Strategy. Feedback closes 23 February.
We will work with the local community, project partners and consultant experts to discuss the issues and possible future options for the area.
