The plan change and the district council's managed retreat process was a result of a devastating debris flow in 2005. Photo / FileMatata residents' fight for their homes has come to an end. All Awatarariki residents bar one have now "reluctantly and under duress" signed settlement agreements with the Whakatane District Council. The development of the managed retreat programme cost the district council a further $1.06m. The managed retreat programme itself will cost $15m, to be shared equally by the Government, the district council and the regional council.

Source: New Zealand Herald December 15, 2020 23:03 UTC