Wairarapa locals say repeated damage to a washed out bridge is 'demoralising'

Wairarapa locals say repeated flood damage to a bridge is demoralising.

The Tūranganui River bridge was washed out in last week's storm, cutting off about 500 homes in Ngāwi, Lake Ferry, Whāngaimoana and Cape Palliser.

Natasha Robinson, Tūranganui Awa Kaitiaki, and Catchment Coordinator, said the community was scared and stressed of an ongoing problem.

"Is there anyone that has a voice for us?"

The same bridge was damaged during floods in February.

"We just don't know how long we're gonna be cut off when it does happen all the time," Robinson said.

Lake Ferry resident Nicola Wareen looked towards the washed out bridge in shock.

"I've lived here for 38 years, and I've never known this bridge to be closed other than four months ago and now."

"Its just a build up, you can see the problems, it's just demoralising."

"It's destroying the rivers, it's destroying the farms, and its destroying people's hearts," Wareen said.

Masterton deputy mayor says govt must be more involved in long-term solution

Masterton's deputy mayor Craig Bowyer told Morning Report tough conversations need to be had about the long term viability of the regions frequently hit by flooding events.

"We are sparsely populated, the rate base is low. So there is some economic reality that has to be faced as well.

"You're already seeing the government talking about managed retreat from some communities. It'd be a longbow to draw that right now, but the conversation has to start to be had."

Bowyer said the government had been very effective when emergency situations took place, but it needed to be involved more in the long-term solution.

"The government definitely needs to come to the party more. They're certainly very good when it's an emergency, there's no doubting the government comes to the party there.

"It's a big conversation that needs to be had, not only at local government level, but also regional. Regional councils need to be part of this as well," Bowyer said.

Wairarapa Civil Defence expects to find more damage as access to cut-off areas increases

Wairarapa Civil Defence expects to find more damage as it gains further access to areas around the south coast in the storm-hit region.

The Tūranganui River bridge was washed out in last week's storm, cutting off about 500 homes in Ngāwi, Lake Ferry, Whāngaimoana and Cape Palliser.

Emergency Operations Centre controller Matt Vins said the south coast settlements had no electricity and welfare teams were in regular contact with these isolated communities.

"We encourage community members to check in over the phone or online with whānau and friends in these areas. However, please do not attempt to travel to or access these locations. While we understand there is interest in the damage, visiting affected sites puts individuals and others at risk," he said.

While many roads were reopening in some capacity, there were still local closures in place, Vins said.

"Roading teams are continuing to work across the district to address slips and road damage and to reinstate access."

All three routes into Martinborough were now open, with the Ponatahi Bridge operating under a temporary 10 km/h speed restriction for vehicles crossing.

Work on the Turanganui bridge was underway and likely to take a few more days.

Locals are calling on the regional council to make sure the bridge is secure in the future. RNZ has contacted the council for comment.