This report covers the period to November 2002.

The drains sprayed to 30 June 2002, and during this period are presented in the attached tables.

Slips and pampas were removed from the lower Kuaoiti Canal in August. These were a result of the rainfall events in June, and the prolonged rain in July. Further work to hold the batter slopes will be required.

No action has been taken on the recommendation made at the June 2002 meeting to serve notice on Mr AA Malcolm for the mechanical cleaning of the Partridge Drain. It is intended this notice be served in February when ground conditions will allow access for plant.

No significant activity this period. An inspection of the floodgate on the North Drain into the Rotokohu Canal has been made. The present culvert is in reasonable condition with splayed concrete inlet and outlet headwall/wingwall structures, although the invert level is too high. Construction of a smaller culvert at a lower invert, with the provision of a weir for summer water level control is a viable alternative to lowering the existing pipes and constructing new headwalls.

Summaries of pump hour’s operation for the year ended 30 June 2002, and for the current year, are attached for the members’ information. Also attached is a summary of the last six years total pump hours. The weather bomb in June caused no real problems in Tirohia Rotokohu, but there was a considerable number of hours pumping in July. Overall in June and July the pumps ran for just over the last six years average total hours. The performance of the diesel powered pumps at the No 2 station was excellent as the main feeder channels were in excellent condition.

Environment Waikato are reassessing the diesel powering programme, and it is possible that the Mill Road Station may be converted. Confirmation of the capacity of the current generator to run both stations is being sought.

Subdivisions commented on in this period were as follows:

KH Gillingham, 6520 SH 26, Tirohia.

Council’s requirements as to easements were met by the proposal.

No waterway approvals have been granted in this period.

The Drainage Manager attended the meeting of Environment Waikato’s WVS PRS Schemes Liaison Committee at Matamata on Friday 15 November. A report will be given to the meeting.

No meeting of the review subcommittee has been held this year, although progress has been made on the outstanding issues. Advice has been sought from Geoff Balme of Beattie Rickman on the processes required to confirm the proposals, and the implications of the new Local Government Rating Act.

There have been two requests to Council for some maintenance on the drains in the vicinity of the Te Moananui Flats Road off Rotokohu Road. The situation is that the area to the North East of Rotokohu Road and Te Moananui Road is outside of the drainage rating area. A portion of the land South of Te Moananui Flats Road is within the Drainage District, but is not serviced by Council drains. See attached plans.

The Roading Manager has arranged for clearing of the drain and culvert under the Flats Road, but is concerned that unless the outlet under the old railway line is maintained, then local on-farm drainage improvements will detrimentally affect the road formation.

The issue of the maintenance of the roadside water tables towards the marae end of the road has also been raised by residents. This area is outside the drainage district, and the committee has no responsibility for the maintenance or improvements to drains in this area.

The committee has considered incorporating the area between Rotokohu Road and the Ohinemuri River into the drainage district as part of the rate review. To date there has been no initiative from the local people for the incorporation of this area into the rating area. The mechanism of this matter is expected to be addressed by Geoff Balme.

Ian McLeod