The final cost of the controversial Waimea dam is $211 million, double the initial projection of $104.5 million, despite facing delays and controversy since work began in 2019. The project, beset by geological issues and Covid-19 pandemic disruptions, has been criticized for its cost overruns, with economist Peter Fraser highlighting the burden placed on ratepayers. Waimea Water chief executive Mike Scott defended the project, citing geotechnical challenges, pandemic impacts, construction delays, and inflation as factors contributing to the increased cost, while emphasizing the dam’s benefits for the region.
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Person trapped, caravans lifted off ground amid ‘mini tornado’ in Northland
A man in his mid-80s was hospitalized in moderate condition after being trapped in his campervan that was overturned by strong winds at Tauranga Bay Holiday Park in Northland. Emergency services responded to the incident around 9:15 am, where another campervan was also reported destroyed after being flipped onto its roof and blown approximately 50 meters into a tree. Explain It To Me Like I'm 5: A man in his 80s was hurt when strong...
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