Two Waihī Beach businesses devastated by flooding closures

Severe weather has brought widespread disruption and damage to the Bay of Plenty region of New Zealand, impacting businesses and forcing evacuations. The town of Waihī Beach has been particularly hard hit, with significant flooding reported on Wednesday, January 22nd.

Business Owners Face Extensive Recovery

The Surf Shack Eatery, a local café owned for the past decade, sustained substantial flood damage. Owner Pip Coombes reported having to dispose of approximately 940kg of food waste, deeming it unusable even for animal feed. She anticipates a lengthy closure, estimating “several months” to replace damaged infrastructure including the kitchen, flooring, toilet, and all whiteware.

Did You Know? The Surf Shack Eatery has been a fixture in Waihī Beach for ten years, serving the local community.

Neighboring business Victoria Lemon Transform Today gym also suffered severe damage. Owner Victoria Lemon, who experienced flooding at the location in 2023, described the recent event as far worse. She received reports of waist-deep water inside the gym early Thursday morning, necessitating the replacement of all electrical equipment and the loss of client records.

Community Response and Support

Despite the devastation, both business owners highlighted the strong support from the local community. Volunteers from Predator-Free Waihī Beach assisted with cleanup efforts at the Surf Shack Eatery. Victoria Lemon also noted offers of assistance from Litore Fit Studios, who offered their space if needed.

Expert Insight: The immediate aftermath of a natural disaster often reveals the resilience of local communities, as evidenced by the swift offers of support from neighboring businesses and volunteer groups. This underscores the importance of social networks in mitigating the impact of such events.

Wider Regional Impact and Response

The Western Bay of Plenty District experienced widespread evacuations, with approximately 80 people seeking shelter at community hubs in Waihī Beach and Te Puke. The Waihī Beach RSA accommodated 73 evacuees from campgrounds, while the remaining individuals were housed with local families. As of Thursday night, 49 people remained in hubs, and 31 were staying with host families.

Meteorological data indicated an “absurd amount” of rainfall in Waihī Beach on Wednesday, totaling 340mm. Western Bay of Plenty District Mayor James Denyer expressed sympathy for those affected, particularly in Pāpāmoa and Mount Maunganui, where tragic loss of life occurred. The council is prioritizing safety assessments and site visits in areas impacted by slips and flooding.

Road and Park Status

Several roads have been reopened, including Welcome Bay Rd (between Taranaki Lane and Te Puke Highway), Turntable Hill Rd, Upper Ōhauiti Rd, and Minden Rd. Access remains restricted to residents only on Te Puke Quarry Rd, Waitao Rd, Rocky Cutting Rd, Reid Rd, and Kaiate Falls Rd. McLaren Falls Park remains partially closed with camping unavailable, and Ōmanawa Falls is closed indefinitely for safety work.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of damage did the Surf Shack Eatery sustain?

The Surf Shack Eatery sustained damage to the kitchen, flooring, toilet, and all whiteware, requiring extensive repairs and replacement.

How did the community respond to the flooding?

The community responded with significant support, including volunteers assisting with cleanup and offers of space from other businesses like Litore Fit Studios.

What is the current status of roads in the Western Bay of Plenty?

Several roads have been reopened, while others remain restricted to residents only, and crews are continuing work on Sunday and Monday.

As communities begin the long process of recovery, what role will continued support from neighbors and local organizations play in rebuilding?