A Wairoa-based company will take legal action against the Hawke's Bay Regional Council after major flooding the business suffered in last month's storm.
Kopu Road Orchards, known also as The Limery, have filed a claim against the Hawke's Bay Regional Council in the Napier High Court.
The business claims that the council was negligent and failed to take measures needed to prevent it from suffering extensive damage when the Wairoa River flooded.
Kopu Road Orchards, which operates a lime growing and processing business, reported substantial losses to its machinery, vehicles, stock, and facilities.
The Hawke's Bay Regional Council (HBRC) said it takes the matter seriously and it will participate in the legal process to come.
"Given that this matter is now before the Court, HBRC is not able to comment further on the recent flooding in Wairoa.
"The litigation does not change HBRC's focus on flood mitigation work across the region. Council will continue to develop and invest in critical infrastructure to assist those communities still in Category 2 post cyclone. HBRC's focus continues to be on working through solutions for those communities as well as looking long term at flood management across the region."
Locals have been critical of the regional council's handling of recent flooding.
Emails suggest the council disregarded a review emphasising the importance of local knowledge in river mouth management. (Source: 1News)
The June 26 flooding in Wairoa affected more than 500 properties, causing damage to homes and businesses in a region that's faced major severe weather over the past two years.
The claimants allege the regional council allegedly failed to maintain and operate essential flood control measures, including timely dredging of the river.
The claimants want compensation for the damage incurred by the flooding, including the loss of business value, property damage, and personal distress.
They also want to represent other affected residents and property owners in Wairoa, forming a collective class action.
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