Flood system to be explained

INFORMATION on the workings of a major flood protection system on the northern outskirts of Feilding will be available at a combined Armed and Emergency Services Open Day at Manfeild Park on Saturday, February 20.

Manawatu and Horowhenua Districts’ Emergency Management Officer, Ross Brannigan, said there were some misconceptions in the community on the operational detail surrounding the two sluice gates in the bed of the Makino Stream, upstream of Reid Line.

“After heavy rainfall in late October caused streams to come right up we had a number of calls as to why the gates weren’t closed to divert the Makino into the floodway,” said Mr Brannigan, “and the reason is they will only be used in extreme circumstances, such as the 2004 flood event.”

He said the open day would provide the opportunity for people to be informed of how the system worked.
The family-orientated event (from 9am to 3pm with a gold coin donation) has been organised by Feilding Police and involves a variety of displays and activities from the Army, Air Force, Navy, Civil Defence, Coastguard and Ambulance and Fire Services.

“There should be a lot of things that will interest the public and encourage their involvement in this activity,” said Mr Brannigan.