Riwaka locals vent anger over pre-Gita culvert maintenance

More than 50 Riwaka residents affected by former Cyclone Gita crammed into a school hall on Wednesday night to attend a post-disaster meeting with the Tasman District Council. The area was devastated by former Cyclone Gita last week, with at least five homes red stickered and several roads - including SH60 over the Takaka Hill - damaged by slips. The Tasman District Council held two meetings last night, one in Riwaka and one in Marahau, with several attendees voicing concerns about an apparent lack of river and culvert maintenance before the cyclone.