Call for flooding images

A search is on for images of flooding events within the Queenstown Lakes District, QLDC emergency management officer Brenden Winder said.

“We have already started to compile a photographic record of the various flood events through the history of the area but I know there must be many more images out there,” Mr Winder said.

The images were an essential resource for the council, in terms of education, learnings and a public record for future generations.

“It’s especially pertinent at this time of year as we enter the ‘traditional’ November flood season to refresh the communities memories of what has happened in the past and the potential for a flooding incident to occur again into the future,” Mr Winder said.

New residents to the area and new retailers in Wanaka and Queenstown could possibly be unaware of the history of flooding.

“Awareness and preparedness is what we are all about. A photo can tell a thousand stories,” Mr Winder said.

Any images either electronic, hard copy print or negative would be recorded and returned to the sender.
“The only proviso is that the photographer is happy to grant us permission to use the image for display and education purposes and form part of a public record,” Mr Winder said.
The council intended to create an annual display of the photos received.

People could either email their images to juliaf@qldc.govt.nz or post to Julia Freeman QLDC Private Bag 50072, Queenstown 9348, Freepost 191078 or drop off at a council office.
“They need to include a name and return address and something in writing indicating the council can use the image for the purposes already outlined,” Mr Winder said.
Like it or not flooding was an important part of the history of the area and it was a history that extended back through the centuries.

“I hope people will take the time to contribute to this important historic record,” Mr Winder said.