The residents of a small Bay of Plenty beach settlement at risk from potentially deadly debris flows will be offered market value for their properties - if they decide to leave.
In 2005, a torrential downpour washed boulders, logs and other debris down a flooded river, destroying 27 homes in Matata. Since then the future of the at-risk properties has been in doubt.
Tonight the Whakatane District Council has announced a new plan that would allow at-risk property owners to sell up and relocate somewhere safer, and RNZ News reporter Andrew McRae is there.
Photo: RNZ / Brad White
