Nelson Tasman Floods: Riwaka Farmer Fights Against Silt and Debris

In the heart of the Tasman District, farmer Frank Hickmott faces an ongoing battle with nature after a series of severe floods have left his Riwaka property in disarray. This small town, known for its agricultural roots, has seen a relentless assault from torrential rains that have transformed familiar landscapes into a battleground of silt, debris, and uncertainty.

A Lifetime of Flooding, But Nothing Like This

Frank Hickmott, who has spent his entire life in Riwaka, recalls that while flooding is not uncommon in this region, the scale of the recent deluge has been unprecedented. His property, which he co-owns with his brother Stewart, has been hit particularly hard. After a storm on June 27, the family narrowly avoided disaster, but two weeks later, the situation deteriorated dramatically.

A creek at the back of the farm became clogged with silt, eventually bursting and sending a torrent of debris across the land. The impact was felt across the property, with silt and sludge covering the fields and even seeping into the house for the first time in Hickmott’s memory.

Agricultural Losses and the Cost of Recovery

Over the course of three days in early July, the property received over 270mm of rain, leading to widespread damage. While the silt is fertile and could be used in the future, the immediate concern lies with the destruction of fences, the displacement of native and pine debris, and the disruption to farming operations.

Hickmott estimates that the cost of repairs is far beyond the $20,000 covered by his insurance for fencing alone. He has had to invest in heavy machinery to clear the property and redirect the creek back to its original course, a process that took several days and left the family in a state of uncertainty.

River Management and Community Response

Tasman District Council has acknowledged the challenges posed by the floods and has begun a cleanup operation on several smaller river catchments. While the council manages over 285 kilometers of larger waterways, many smaller tributaries lack active maintenance. This has raised concerns among local residents, who argue that improved river management is essential to prevent future disasters.

In response to the floods, the government has allocated a total of $400,000 to the Nelson Tasman Mayoral Relief Fund, with additional support from community donations bringing the total to over $624,000. This fund is being used to assist families, farmers, and businesses affected by the floods, with grants covering up to 50% of insurance excesses and helping with the replacement of essential items like bedding, tools, and fencing.

Looking Ahead: Resilience and Recovery

As the region grapples with the aftermath of these floods, the focus is now on long-term resilience. Council officials have emphasized the need for community collaboration and ongoing investment in river management to ensure that future floods are less damaging. For farmers like Frank Hickmott, the road to recovery is slow, but with support from both government and local initiatives, there is hope for rebuilding and moving forward.

For now, the people of Riwaka are working tirelessly to clear their land, repair their homes, and restore their livelihoods. Their story is one of resilience in the face of nature’s fury, and a testament to the strength of the community in times of crisis.