Raising road level Rarangi Road and Woolleys' Crossing

Due to recent rainfall /flooding events in Marlborough, the eastern end of Rarangi Rd and the centre section of Woolley's crossing became flooded. This made it impossible for some residents to cross these sections of road. The water level was estimated to be at maximum about 30cm above road level in both areas. The school bus was stopped and many local residents felt cut off.

Community meetings haave been held and helpful discussions with council staff have been undertaken. A report prepared by the Rarangi District Residents Association was provided to council and has been seen by relevant council officers. 

It is suggested an engineered but simple road lifting/culvert exercise could be effected without massive cost to council/retapayers and would be a very cost effective solution to the problem. It is unlikely this would have any adverse effects to other aspects of the flooding ie making any ponding issues worse.

With flooding events in Rarangi (and Marlborough generally) appearing to become more frequent and severe, the Raranagi community is becoming more concerned about the possibility of being cut off due to road flooding. In some cases older folk have become quite anxious. There are approximately 305 households in the Rarangi area. Almost all were affected to some degree by the June 2025 flooding. Some to the point that road transport was not possible.