Matata residents reluctantly leave homes

The remaining families at risk of extreme weather in the Bay of Plenty settlement of Matata have finally and reluctantly agreed to leave their homes. Whakatane District Council has been buying residents' properties after deciding the area is too risky for occupation, following devastating flooding in 2005. Residents were initially allowed back with plans for risk mitigation, but 6 years later the Council changed its mind - instead declaring a managed retreat as the only viable option. Rangitaiki Ward councillor, Gavin Dennis, has lived in the Matata area for more than 20 years and told reporter Jean Bell that he feels for both sides.