Alan Bickers, a New Zealand local government sector specialist, is to head a comprehensive review of the Awatarariki Stream debris detention structure project planned for Matatā.

Whakatāne District Council chief executive Marty Grenfell says Alan Bickers' distinguished professional background in civil engineering and local authority governance and consulting makes him the ideal person to lead the project review.

A debris detention structure is planned for the Matata area to prevent debris washing down like it did during the 2005 floods.

'When the Council placed the DDS project on hold last month, we made a commitment to people in Matatā, whose properties were impacted by the devastating 2005 debris flow, that we would examine all aspects of the work planned as a matter of urgency.

'That process is now underway and we are anticipating the review outcomes, and recommendations on how to proceed, will be reported back to Council in June.”

Alan took part in a site visit on April 4 and will head a review team comprised of District Council engineering and planning staff, a Bay of Plenty Regional Council representative and an independent financial adviser.

Additional expert advice will be available on legal, geotechnical and engineering issues.

Alan says the review will be a complex task.

'We're working to a very tight timeframe, because the scope of the work required is extensive.

'Everyone involved is acutely aware of the need to make quick progress, so that the property owners affected by this situation can have some certainty.”

Alan worked in local government for 25 years, serving in roles ranging from engineer to chief executive.

For the past 17 years, he has worked as a specialist consultant for local authorities throughout New Zealand, and in Australia, providing strategic project advice and guidance on the development and implementation of major infrastructure projects.

Marty says having heard resource consents for the planned Awatarariki debris detention structure as an appointed Commissioner, Alan already has extensive knowledge of the project.

He says to avoid any conflict of interest that may arise through the review process, his role as Commissioner has been terminated.