Gisborne beaches have been inundated with slash debris following several days of intense rainfall. The Wairoa District lifted a heavy rain warning, yet the area remains heavily saturated, leading to slips and some surface flooding, impacting residents’ holiday plans. This recent weather event has covered beaches and waterways with slash, renewing an ongoing issue in the region.
In January 2024, a tragic incident resulted in the death of a 12-year-old boy at a beach littered with slash. In response, government regulations were introduced in October 2023, mandating the removal of slash longer than two meters and with large-end diameters exceeding 10 centimeters from erosion-prone lands.
Gisborne District Council chief scientist Murry Cave expressed disappointment with the current state of the waterways, especially after a significant cleanup before Christmas. The recent rains have brought down more woody debris along the Waimata River, littering city beaches. Efforts are being planned to clear larger debris quickly.
A bridge near Bruce Road may have suffered damage, with assessments scheduled for Saturday. The worst affected areas are expected to be the city beaches and those stretching from Whangara to Tolaga Bay. City beaches remain closed due to slash and emergency sewer valve releases.
Cave has issued warnings about beaches like Waikanae Beach, where large logs present potential dangers. Measures are underway to make these areas safer.
SafeSwim has also advised against swimming at Waikanae Beach, Wainui Beach, Tolaga Bay, and Ocean Beach due to hazardous conditions like large waves, strong currents, and winds. Ohope Beach faces similar swimming restrictions due to shark sightings. These warnings coincide with the upcoming Rhythm and Vines music festival, expected to attract up to 30,000 attendees, prompting Surf Life Saving authorities to caution beachgoers about water quality and urging them to heed the current advisories.
