The Hawke's Bay Regional Council is defending not opening up the Wairoa river bar earlier.

Last week's downpour damaged more than 100 properties in the district, where a state of emergency lifted this morning.

The Government has launched a quickfire review, including assessing locals' claims the river should've been cleared sooner.

Council Chief Executive Dr Nic Peet says calls were made on information in front of them at the time.

"You need some really specific conditions to open a bar, so you need a really decent flow in the river to shift probably 50,000 cubic metres of rock and shingles."

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The Hawke's Bay Regional Council is defending not opening up the Wairoa river bar earlier.
Last week's downpour damaged more than 100 properties in the district, where a state of emergency lifted this morning.
The Government has launched a quickfire review, including assessing locals' claims the river should've been cleared sooner.
Council Chief Executive Dr Nic Peet says calls were made on information in front of them at the time.
"You need some really specific conditions to open a bar, so you need a really decent flow in the river to shift probably 50,000 cubic metres of rock and shingles."
LISTEN ABOVE

With a straight down the middle approach, Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive on Newstalk ZB delivers the very latest news and views to New Zealanders as they wrap up their day.

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Dr Nic Peet: Hawke's Bay Regional Council Chief Executive defends Wairoa river bar opening timeframe

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/9522c1b8-86fc-4cc8-a514-b1a2005d0f70/transcript