The combined cost of repairing storm damage to Ōpōtiki district roads over the past six months has been estimated at $545,000.

National transport agency Waka Kotahi has approved funding for a large portion of this, however, Ōpōtiki district will be required to stump up over $100,000.

The council expects to fund these costs through loans so the repairs will not have a major impact on rates.

Heavy rain events in October and February, combined with strong winds, caused widespread damage across the district.

In a report to the council this week, transport engineer Dale Clarke sought approval of additional capital spending to meet the council's share of the costs for road damage from the two storms

He said September and October received much higher-than-average rainfall, with 337mm in September, up from the historical average of 214, and 396mm in October, almost double the historical average of 213.

Further rain events on October 26 and 30 caused widespread damage, particularly in the upper reaches of the Otara River. Strong winds on November 2 and 3 combined with the sodden ground conditions added to the issues, with widespread tree damage requiring a major clean-up.

The major damage caused by these storms was on Otara and Tutaetoko roads where the high storm flow caused the rivers to undermine the road, which partially washed out.

The cost of repairs from these events was estimated at $130,000.

A road washout at Otara Road in in October last year requires an estimated $130,000 of repair work.

Over February 6 and 7, 172.5mm of rain, far in excess of the historical average of 92mm, resulted in a further washout of Otara Road, including the undermining of the eastern abutment and pier of the Tutaetoko Stream Bridge, a dropout of the Kukumoa corner of the cycle path, pavement damage on Ngarue Road, and slippage undermining Waiōtahe Valley School grounds on Gabriels Gully Road.

The cost of these repairs has been estimated at $415,000, with the greatest cost being the bridge repairs at $220,000. Repairs are expected to be completed by the end of June.

Councillors voted to approve the additional spending of $545,000.

-Local Democracy Reporting is Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air