2006 TO 2008
A summary of events from the 1932 earthquake onwards.
12 July 2006: Joint Working Group options are ‘the status quo’, managed retreat, soft engineering or beach nourishment and hard engineering, specifically groyne fields. The preference is groynes but the cost $18.9 million for the full stretch of the coast, or $13.5 million for the Haumoana beach only, is unaffordable. Residents push for protecting the Haumoana coast only, without nourishment, for $1.6 million.
21 November 2006: After 18 months HBRC, HDC and Cape Coast representatives can’t agree. A further report from three engineering experts costing $20,000 due by April 2007. Councils claim there isn’t enough information about the long-term impact of a groyne field.
11 Feb 2008: High seas pound the coastline causing further erosion and damage. No 9 Clifton Rd suffered severe damage to timber retaining wall. Owners are advised that under the District Plan they are not allowed to replace it or repair it.
10 March 2008: A public meeting is held to host Dr Shaw Mead on ‘Appropriate Coastal Protection Solutions for Exposed Coasts”. About 80 people turn up to hear him extol the virtues of artificial reefs. A submission was put to local authorities but failed to gain traction.
April 2008: Residents in Haumoana and Te Awanga complain that a new report on coastal hazard zones has eroded property prices in the region
23 May 2008: Severe storms surges destroy remaining wall at 9 Clifton Rd over a 12-hour period, claiming up to 8m of land. A concrete septic tank is swept away and foundations undermined. Tenant evacuated by Civil Defence, house abandoned.
July 08: 9 Clifton Rd breaks into two and slips on beach front.