Scientists have warned for years that the Waiho River - which comes out of the glacier and is filling with gravel - has been kept in too narrow a channel. Several reports to West Coast councils have previously recommended letting the stopbanks go, sacrificing the south bank and allowing the river to flow out naturally. Much of the West Coast is cut off after a section of the Waiho River bridge was swept away. West Coast Regional Council chairman Mike Meehan said they would report back to residents next week with options, including rebuilding the stopbank. The Westland council had allowed people to develop on the north and south side of Franz.

Source: Otago Daily Times April 03, 2019 15:31 UTC