Puhoi – after the floods

Liz McLaren fears blockages like this will lead to more flooding.

It’s been two months since the first of three exceptional storms struck Puhoi on January 27, when the river rose faster and higher than anyone could remember. Massive trees, branches and debris, including sofas, show jumps and picnic tables, were swept down the swollen river, the store, library and sportsfields were swamped, and countless slips closed roads. As if that wasn’t enough, there were repeat performances from Cyclone Gabrielle on February 13 and the heavy rains of February 27. Mahurangi Matters spoke to some of ...