Flood cash boost no rates-saver

That is the message from EW chief executive Harry Wilson, who said the Government's help would broaden the scope of the $28 million project, rather than providing a ratepayer discount.

Although he was "pleasantly surprised" by the extent of the Government's commitment, Mr Wilson said the extra money would not speed up plans for the project. If the Government had not made a contribution ratepayers would have received a scaled-down job, he said.

The first priority was to start maintenance work at Te Puru, Waiomu/Pohue, Tapu and Coromandel town, which would begin this financial year.

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