Return to flip book view

It is unbelievable that Wairoa has suffered a second flooding event within 18 months of Cyclone Gabrielle. We are now recovering from two floods, and our work will involve rebuilding from the latest flooding on the south side of town while not forgetting about what North Clyde went through in Cyclone Gabrielle and the work that still needs to be done.Our initial plan was to manage Cyclone Gabrielle and the June flooding as two separate events to ensure we don’t compromise opportunities by blending them. We also want to ensure that the plans we had as a result of Cyclone Gabrielle are not merged with this latest event to ensure no one is left behind.My heart goes out to our entire community. Most people will know of someone who has been impacted to some degree by these flooding events. Following Cyclone Gabrielle, while there was still a lot of work ahead, we felt confident that we had a plan for our recovery. Progress was slow, but we were getting people back into their homes and rebuilding our district.In the early morning of Wednesday, June 26, Wairoa declared a State of Emergency after rainfall and a blocked Wairoa River mouth threatened to place lives and properties at risk.Around 400 properties were impacted by flooding, resulting in 128 yellow-stickered houses. Homes on the southern side of town, in the eastern residential area near the Wairoa River mouth, were mainly affected. Many other properties had flood water through sheds, garages, sleepouts and cars.The June flooding, on top of Cyclone Gabrielle, has put substantial psychological/mental distress on our people’s wellbeing and caused physical damage to property, land and the environment.It has also placed tremendous pressure on housing and Council infrastructure, including the landfill.Flooding in this area of town has never been seen before. As a result of the significant concerns our community raised about the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council’s management of the Wairoa River bar and the impact this had on the flooding of properties in the district, the Government has appointed a qualified independent reviewer to lead an urgent and targeted review into the flood response.The review will look at whether there was adequate monitoring of the state of the Wairoa River bar; whether correct decisions were made in a timely way; and whether there were any other actions that could have been taken.The Government is committed to addressing those concerns and we await the outcome. As we move into another stage of recovery, I am thrilled we have appointed former Wairoa woman Te Aroha Cook to the role of Recovery Manager. Te Aroha (TC) is well known in Wairoa and brings vast knowledge and national experience in emergency management and recovery.We will remain focused on people and getting whānau back into homes, and it is also vital we plan for the future resilience of Wairoa.WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14TH 2024 NEWSLETTER 14CONTACT USOnline form via WDC website: www.wairoadc.govt.nz/contact-us/customer-service-request | Phone: 06 838 7309Email: recovery@wairoadc.govt.nz | In-person: at the Wairoa Airport (end of Airport Road) | Website: www.wairoarecovery.co.nzMAYORAL MESSAGE

I know there has been a lot of talk and speculation about the $70 million that the government ring-fenced for flood mitigation for Wairoa following Cyclone Gabrielle.This work was led by the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council (HBRC) and involves the Tripartite Group, which is a partnership between HBRC, Wairoa District Council and Tātau Tātau o Te Wairoa and a local group of stakeholders.HBRC-appointed consultants had put options on the table and the Tripartite and Stakeholder groups had requested an independent review of the modelling. I commend these groups on their holistic view.I fully support this decision. Our town is vulnerable. We have been impacted by two significant flooding events within 18 months of each other, and we urgently need to act to develop a flood management catchment plan and flood protection works for Wairoa.Following the June flooding and in response to community frustration, the Minister of Local Government, Hon. Simeon Brown, appointed a Crown Manager, Lawrence Yule, to progress the flood protection works in Wairoa.Our sole focus is to get the best design, information, and protection possible. Flood protection is not a silver bullet, but hopefully, it will provide some level of protection and give our community more confidence.I would like to reassure the community that, as a Council, we are working as hard as we can to ensure the best results for Wairoa. It is a tough time for everyone, and our community does not deserve to have been hit like this again.We are offering assistance to flood-impacted people through a new south-side Wairoa Mayoral Relief Fund. To apply please go to the Council website or call into the Council offices. We are also working with the central government and agencies to ensure a coordinated approach to Wairoa’s recovery.Stay strong WairoaCONTINUED FROM PAGE 1Local woman Te Arohanui Cook (TC) has returned home to Wairoa and taken up the position of Wairoa Recovery Manager in the wake of the June flooding event.Mrs Cook has extensive experience across 30 years of working in local government, Civil Defence and emergency management.For the past five years, she has worked as Group Manager of Regulatory, Planning and Community Services for the Westland District Council, based in Hokitika.She has also been a Civil Defence Group Controller for multiple weather events on the West Coast and deployed as a Group Controller to the Hawke’s Bay Emergency Co-ordination Centre for the first two weeks of Cyclone Gabrielle. She was also the Local Controller and then Recovery Manager for the 2019 Flood Event in Westland. Born and raised in Wairoa, Mrs Cook is the daughter of the late Rutene and Johanne Cooper. Mrs Cook and her partner, Don Scott, had already been planning their return to Wairoa when the June flooding hit the town.“For us, it was time to come home, and I certainly never expected to be in a position where my experience would be needed. While this flooding, on top of the Cyclone Gabrielle flooding, has been devastating for our community, I feel privileged to be back home and to be able to help wherever I can.“Wairoa’s recovery will focus on rural, community and social, built, natural, and economic pillars. A focus will also be reducing future exposure to hazards and their associate risks by building resilience.”Mrs Cook’s career began locally, starting with the Wairoa District Council as the Wairoa Museum curator, moving onto an emergency management officer role, and then into the Governance Manager position.She began her association with the fire service in Wairoa in 1999 and has held a range of positions, including a ministerial appointment on the Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) New Zealand Fire Service Commission.Wairoa Mayor Craig Little said the town is fortunate to have someone of Te Aroha’s calibre to take on the Recovery Manager role. “Benita Tahuri was our Recovery Manager directly after Cyclone Gabrielle. Benita did a great job of looking after our people in what was, at that time, a very unknown space for us. When Benita’s fixed-term contract ended, Council’s Chief Financial Officer Gary Borg took on the position as the role was brought in-house to Council as we began to get on top of our plans for Cyclone Gabrielle Recovery. This latest event is catastrophic, and the Recovery Manager role is vital to shape our future. Te Aroha is well known and has local knowledge and experience in this role and many connections. We look forward to all working in partnership to help our town and district recover and rebuild to the best of our ability.”Wairoa Civil Defence Controller Juanita Savage said Te Aroha’s return home has been very timely. “It is reassuring for our whānau to have a person with the experience and capability that Te Aroha brings.” WAIROA RECOVERY MANAGER APPOINTED

Peak numbers were reached around March 8th 2023 then on November 8th 2023 a significant rain/flood event in the Mahia/Nuhaka area resulted in a further 16 Residential Yellow Placards & 2 Red Residential Placards.STATUS OF STICKERED HOMES130PLACARDS REMOVEDYELLOW89YELLOW146MARCH 8TH 2023PEAKJUNE 12TH 2024NOWYELLOW16NOVEMBER 8TH 2023EVENTRED3RED2MARCH 8TH 2023PEAKJUNE 12TH 2024NOWRED2NOVEMBER 8TH 2023EVENTWHITE198MARCH 8TH 2023PEAKWHITE136AUGUST 12TH 2024NOWTaskforce Kiwi spent two weeks helping clean up Wairoa’s south-side flood-impacted area.Wairoa Mayor Craig Little extended a huge thanks to the team of volunteers who helped in the immediate response following the June flooding event.“These volunteers were on the ground helping flood-impacted people, and their input was tremendous. We were fortunate to have two crews in Wairoa, with volunteers spending their time on the ground and helping wherever there was a need. “On behalf of the Wairoa community, thank you so much to all the members of Taskforce Kiwi for helping our town and our people.” Established in 2022, Taskforce Kiwi is a not-for-profit group that utilises the skills and experience of former and serving defence and emergency services personnel to provide direct assistance to impacted communities before, during and after disasters.TASKFORCE KIWI ON THE GROUND HELPTaskforce Kiwi is made up of former and serving defence and emergency services personnel who mobilised to Wairoa to provide on-the-ground assistance following the June flooding event.YELLOW128JUNE 27TH 2024PEAKYELLOW124AUGUST 12TH 2024NOWFLOODINGJUNE 20244PLACARDS REMOVEDEVENT

Wairoa District Council has set up a one-stop shop page with key information and contact details for whānau who need support during recovery from the June Flooding event and Cyclone Gabrielle.We have listed as many organisation and agency details as possible on the Council’s website, www.wairoadc.govt.nz; click the Flood Information tab on the homepage.DIRECTORY OF RECOVERY INFORMATIONThe new Wairoa Mayoral Relief Fund, set up in response to the 26 June 2024 event, is now open for applications. The local fund aims to support Wairoa residents most affected by the flood.Apply here: https://www.wairoadc.govt.nz/services/civil-defence-emergency/flood-related-information/wairoa-mayoral-relief-fund-june-2024/.MAYORAL RELIEF FUNDFlood-damaged household items and materials are no longer being collected from the kerbside. Disposal of these materials needs to be directly at the landfill. If residents do not have insurance to cover the cost of disposal, they can apply to Wairoa District Council for the disposal costs to be covered by Council. Please find the form here: https://www.wairoadc.govt.nz/services/civil-defence-emergency/flood-related-information/.FLOOD WASTE COLLECTIONFor welfare support, please phone the Council on 06 838 7309 and lodge a CSR (Customer Service Request. Or visit the Council’s website, www.wairoadc.govt.nz, and lodge a CSR online.WELFAREDealing with residential insurance claims after a natural disaster can be complex and confusing.The New Zealand Claims Resolution Service (NZCRS) supports homeowners with residential insurance claims after natural disasters to avoid disputes and resolve issues. Contact the team at NZCRS on 0508 624 327 or visit www.nzcrs.govt.nz.INSURANCE CLAIMS RESOLUTION SERVICEIf you need household supplies, furniture or clothing, the Wairoa Pātaka may have these available. Please phone 0800 AROHA 3 (0800 276 423) and the Māori Wardens will assist you with your needs or contact the Wairoa District Council.WAIROA PĀTAKAIf you need assistance with your pets (including food), or if your pet has gone missing, please touch base with Council’s compliance team by calling 06 838 7309, emailing compliance@wairoadc.govt.nz, visiting the Council office and leaving your details at reception, or filling out a customer service request form: www.wairoadc.govt.nz/contact-us/customer-service-request/. ANIMAL SUPPORTThe team at Kahungunu Executive provides a range of services and programmes that could benefit local whānau affected by flooding. These services include counselling, parenting programmes, abuse prevention, home-based support and mental health. To contact Kahungunu Executive, email kahu-exec@xtra.co.nz or call 06 838 3259 or 06 838 6835. Or you can visit www.kahu-exec.co.nz.KAHUNGUNU EXECUTIVEIt is essential to contact your insurance provider as soon as possible after an event to ensure the claims process is as easy and efficient as possible. They can advise you on the best next steps to take, and any information they need from you to get the claim process underway to help you get things back to normal. Your private insurer will be your single point of contact to support your insurance recovery if the land immediately around your home, or over the first 60 metres of your main accessway, is damaged in a natural disaster, and a Natural Hazards Claim (NHC) is required. Householders do not need to raise a claim directly with NHC Toka Tu Ake, your private insurer will handle this on your behalf. For more information, please contact Insurance Council New Zealand on 04 472 5230, or email icnz@icnz.org.nz. You can also visit their website www.icnz.org.nz.INSURANCE COUNCIL NEW ZEALANDThe team at Enabled Wairoa provides a range of services that could benefit local whānau. These services include Emergency and Transitional Housing, family support: one-on-one mentoring support for parents, Strengthening Families Support: to support whānau who are dealing with two or more agencies to achieve their goals. The team at Enabled is available from 9am to 5pm. To contact the team, please email yuanita@enabled.org.nz, call 06 838 7390 or visit www.enabled.org.nz. ENABLED WAIROA

If you wish to donate to the Wairoa Mayoral Relief Fund, the account number is 03-0785-0070470-00, using the reference “JUNE FLOOD”. Please email donations@wairoadc.govt.nz if you would like a receipt. You can also donate over the counter at the Wairoa District Council main office, weekdays between 8am and 4.30pm, or head to the Wairoa June flooding Give a Little page.DONATIONSIf you and/or your whānau need emergency welfare help, please phone the Ministry of Social Development on freephone 0800 400 100.• Civil Defence payments are available for people affected by the June 26 flooding event.• You don’t need to be on a benefit to qualify for a Civil Defence payment.• In most cases, it doesn’t matter what your income is.• For more information about the Civil Defence payment, visit the Work & Income website.• You can also call Work & Income on 0800 559 009.MINISTRY OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENTIf your household was impacted by the recent Wairoa flooding event, and you need support finding temporary accommodation, the Temporary Accommodation Service (TAS) can help. Owner-occupiers and renters of houses made uninhabitable are eligible. TAS provides medium and long-term accommodation to people who are displaced. The type of accommodation varies depending on location. Register your details with TAS, and a staff member will call you within a few working days to discuss suitable temporary housing options. TAS staff can also guide how to access support services such as insurance advice and financial assistance.For more information and to register your details, please call 0508 754 163 or visit www.tas.mbie.govt.nz.TEMPORARY ACCOMMODATION SERVICESFree health and wellbeing support is available to help whānau at this difficult time. Ka Ora Telehealth 0800 252 672 offers same-day clinical consultations with a doctor or nurse. They are easy to book for anyone who cannot access a GP, including people who are not enrolled with a practice and rural and isolated communities. Ka Ora Telehealth can also issue prescriptions and make referrals as needed. You can also access counselling by calling/texting 1737.PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORTGisborne District Council reached out to its Wairoa neighbour with baked goods and donations for the town’s flood-impacted community.Gisborne Mayor Rehette Stoltz and Chief Executive Nedine Thatcher Swann made the trip to Wairoa laden with baked goods that their Council staff had made, and donations distributed through the Wairoa PātakaWairoa Mayor Craig Little said the Gisborne visit was very thoughtful and lifted people’s spirits. “It was lovely to receive such vital support from the Gisborne District Council, which is a unitary council. The way they connected and supported us demonstrates that they understand our needs and are here for our community.”The group visited homes and properties that had been affected by the June flooding. Mr Little said Tairawhiti has suffered similar weather events to Wairoa and can understand the devastation the damage causes to communities and people. “The Gisborne visit was a really kind gesture, and on behalf of our community, thank you to the Gisborne District Council and all those who donated goods to the Wairoa community.”GIFTS FROM GISBORNEA visit to Wairoa by the Gisborne District Council was well received. Pictured from left, Gisborne District Council Chief Executive Nedine Thatcher Swann, Wairoa Mayor Craig Little, Assistant Controller Te Piringa Manatōpū Regional Māori Wardens Tina McFadyen, Gisborne Mayor Rehette Stoltz and Wairoa District Council Group Manager Assets & Infrastructure Mike Hardie.

FLOODING EVENTJUNE 2024

FLOODING EVENTJUNE 2024

FLOODING EVENTJUNE 2024

Lawrence Yule has been appointed Crown Manager to Wairoa District Council and Hawke’s Bay Regional, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced.“This critical role will focus on getting the right systems in place to deliver a flood management catchment plan and flood protection works. Mr Yule will look at identifying suitable solutions, community engagement and implementation,” Mr Brown says.“Recent events have highlighted the vulnerability of the Wairoa township to future flood damage. There is an increasingly urgent need to progress these protection efforts. The Crown Manager’s role will be crucial to make this happen,” Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell says. “Wairoa has experienced two severe weather events in the last couple of years. Being Chair of Wairoa’s Flood Protection Stakeholder Group, Mr Yule understands the weather-related challenges the township is facing. “The Government is delivering on its commitment to support this community by increasing its flood resilience. Failure to act is not an option,” Mr Mitchell says.The Wairoa District Council has welcomed the Government’s decision to appoint a Crown Manager to progress the flood protection works. These works relate to the Government’s investment of $70m ring-fenced for flood protection for Wairoa, with a focus on North Clyde and developing flood mitigation to enable affected properties to be moved out of the initial Land Categorisation of 2A, which has now moved to 2C.Wairoa Mayor Craig Little said our town is vulnerable. We have been impacted by two significant flooding events within 18 months of each other, and we urgently need to act to develop a flood management catchment plan and flood protection works for Wairoa,”“As independent chairman of the Wairoa Stakeholder Group, Lawrence is familiar with this project, holds a Bachelor of Engineering, and brings local and central government expertise. “The Wairoa District Council fully supports Minister of Local Government Hon. Simeon Brown’s decision to appoint Lawrence as Crown Manager and we look forward to some real progress being made.”In appointing Mr Yule, Minister Brown described his extensive governance experience and ability to manage strong relationships with Ministers, Members of Parliament, and local government, as being invaluable to progressing the delivery of flood protection planned for Wairoa.“Mr Yule’s role will be to ensure the Councils cooperate and comply with his directions and work effectively together to mitigate the kind of disastrous flooding we saw during Cyclone Gabrielle and last June’s weather events, and to give the community more confidence.Mr Yule’s role will begin on Thursday (15 August 2024). The term of the role is one and a half years until 13 February 2026.WAIROA WELCOMES GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION AROUND FLOOD MANAGEMENTAn independent review into the management of the Wairoa River mouth and the impact this had on the flooding of properties in the district is underway with results of the inquiry due out soon.The Government’s urgent and targeted review into the Wairoa flood response follows the Wairoa community raising significant concerns about the management of the Wairoa River bar.The review will look at whether there was adequate monitoring of the state of the Wairoa River bar; whether correct decisions were made in a timely way; and whether there were any other actions that could have been taken.”The review is expected to take around four weeks, with findings and recommendations to be presented to the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, Wairoa District Council and Tātau Tātau o Te Wairoa Trust in August.Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery Mark Mitchell says Wairoa deserve answers around the decisions and actions taken in managing the bar.“The June flooding has been really tough for Wairoa. They should expect that flood management is monitored adequately, with timely actions taken to minimise the impact on the community. This review seeks to provide answers for Wairoa in relation to the June flooding event and identify where improvements are needed to protect their community against future events.”URGENT FLOOD REVIEW UNDERWAY

As they rebuild from Cyclone Gabrielle, it is the spirit of the Wairoa community that stands out for Kaye Pickering and Keith Norris.The couple has lived at the northern end of Freyberg Street for more than 30 years in their turn-of-the-century Edwardian villa. When they bought the property, the house and section were run down, and it was through developing the grounds and mowing lawns that the couple morphed into their landscaping business, Coast Park Landscapes and Nursery.The couple are at their happiest pottering in their garden and couldn’t believe it on the morning of Cyclone Gabrielle when flood waters surrounded their house, lapping at the top of the deck.“That morning, we looked down the driveway and saw all this water by the gate and realised it was the river. At one point, we were surrounded by water on three sides, with the river flooding from one direction, the Awatere Stream from another and the drain in the KiwiRail corridor.”While they are grateful the water didn’t enter the house, they lost most of the contents of their nursery, garage, and outbuildings, and their extensive gardens went underwater.Removing silt was a massive job, with the couple doing most of the work themselves, supported by some family. “Initially, we had an assessor visit and lodged our insurance claim—but no one thought to check under the house. Next thing, we had cracks in the walls and tiles around the fire cracking and moving as the piles under the house had shifted. We can’t use the wet back to heat our hot water, and we are also having issues with the septic tank. These are not issues we were aware of straight away.”Initially, Kaye and Keith struggled with the insurance, but as soon as they approached the insurance resolution office, the process became easier. “We have still not settled, but we feel more confident than we did and are a lot more supported,” they said.The couple cannot speak more highly of the Wairoa Recovery Office, which has offered amazing support. Kaye and Keith were part of the Recovery focus group, which was used as a sounding board to anticipate community needs. They said the group was a way to share issues, be involved with other people and tap into resources and knowledge they may not have known about otherwise.“It’s definitely been a stressful time. We had never been through anything like that before, and it is now the unknown that it could happen again, which is scary.”Kaye, a former nurse, said the process has been a big lesson in patience. “We are just eating the elephant one bite at a time. There are now even more people suffering, and many people don’t realise what others are going through. Our hearts go out to all those who were impacted by the June flooding event.”Kaye says getting back into the garden was a priority, which initially involved hosing the trees and plants to remove the silt. The couple will continue their landscaping business but have pulled the plug on the nursery, saying reinstating it is too big a job when there is so much to do.“We have a lot to be grateful for in Wairoa. The recovery team, the marae, the silt angels and the food angels have all been there to help us. We have a lot of community spirit in our town.”GROWING THROUGH RECOVERYKaye Pickering and Keith Norris are still rebuilding after Cyclone Gabrielle.Go to www.wairoarecovery.co.nzor email recovery@wairoadc.govt.nzSUBSCRIBE TO OURRECOVERY NEWSLETTER

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is committed to helping rebuild Wairoa’s flood-affected homes.The church has begun restoration work on five houses on the North Clyde side of town, and more work is being considered.During a recent visit to the homes, Elder John Higgins said the Church has a deep desire to help those people who have suffered.“We want to partner with Wairoa and combine our efforts. Once the first five houses are completed, we hope to look at pursuing others as well. The Church likes to finish what it starts.”A recent Wairoa progress trip included Regional Welfare and Self-reliance Manager Arama Puriri and Elder Fred Morley and his wife, Sister May Morley, and visited homes where repairs were underway and where work was about to begin.The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints provides relief and development projects for humanitarian purposes in countries worldwide. This is the first time a project of this type has been undertaken globally, and the decision to support Wairoa was based on data and information telling the story of Wairoa’s needs.The Wairoa Recovery Office is undertaking discovery work to provide an accurate picture of what Wairoa needs for the rebuild, which is also helpful for the Church.Additional partners, such as the New Zealand Red Cross, support the collaborative project, with the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints – Latter-day Saints Charities Pacific Area Arm covering other non-funded materials and labour costs.Donations for the project are principally from Church members but also from people around the world, who make the relief projects possible. One hundred percent of the donations given to the Church’s humanitarian services are used for relief efforts. Initially, five homes were identified for repair, but that could increase to 20. The Hawkes Bay-based rebuild team lives in temporary accommodation at the Wairoa grounds of the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints.CHURCH COMMITTED TO HELPINGThe Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Elder John Higgins (left), May Morley (right) and Michelle Tahuri-Olsen with her Nan Waikohae Kapene whose flood-impacted Mackley Street home is being rebuilt by the Church.For those experiencing increased anxiety, feelings of helplessness, frustration, anger, or worry – there is help available. You do not have to go through it alone.Napier Family Centre’s (NFC) counselling team is available to support the Wairoa community free of charge. Whānau don’t have to be physically affected by a natural disaster for their wellbeing to be impacted. People can access free counselling support whether they have been directly or indirectly affected by Cyclone Gabrielle. Offering confidential services from a private space on the Marine Parade, NFC offers Wairoa whānau a safe place to explore and express your thoughts and feelings with support and without judgment. The counselling team are all registered with professional bodies.Seeking help can be difficult. The NFC team aims to minimise barriers to accessing the service. No referral is needed - individuals can start the process by calling 0508 678 910.WE ARE HERENEEDSUPPORT?

Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell is keeping Wairoa on his radar.Minister Mitchell called into town to check in on Wairoa’s flood-related recovery.Minister Mitchell said he has high-level respect and admiration for the depth of capability of the Wairoa people. “I love Wairoa, it is a beautiful township and has been hit hard, and I am impressed with the level of cleanup that has already taken place.”Minister Mitchell acknowledged the level of fatigue Wairoa people were experiencing when dealing with weather and flooding events. “Wairoa has experienced back-to-back events, but there is still a sense of positivity.Minister Mitchell also praised the Wairoa Civil Defence emergency response to the June flooding event, saying he and the team in Wellington admire and recognise the calibre of the response.“Wairoa is working as a team and is looking forward. Wairoa is a great place, and you need to embrace that.”Wairoa Mayor Craig Little said Minister Mitchell and Prime Minister Luxon’s reassurance that Wairoa will return to its previous better days has given the town confidence and optimism about a brighter future. “Thank you for listening to us, supporting us, and trusting that we know our community best.”WAIROA REMAINS ON THE RADARMinister for Emergency Management Mark Mitchell and Cyclone Recovery Private Secretary Joanna Carr (right) called into Wairoa to check on post-flooding progress. They are pictured with Civil Defence Controller Juanita Savage, Council Chief Executive Kitea Tipuna and Deputy Mayor Denise Eaglesome-Karekare. Wairoa Recovery Office team member Jamie Cox (pictured) is responsible for quantifying damage and restoring as many flood-impacted homes as possible.Jamie’s current focus is on the homes impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle on the North Clyde side of town. At the peak of Cyclone Gabrielle, around 350 Wairoa houses, mainly in North Clyde, were yellow and white placarded due to flood damage. Eighteen months later, there are 89 yellow-placard homes and 136 white-placard homes that have not yet had their placards removed. The June event added 128 homes to the yellow placard list, which has now reduced to 124.As the rebuild project manager, Jamie’s initial role is to work through a ‘discovery stage’ to identify needs and assess damaged houses in order to get an accurate and proper understanding of what is required to enable the rebuild.“The key is gathering information thoroughly so that the appropriate pathway is taken to a full rebuild.“Ideally, we want all flood-damaged Wairoa homes restored. The Council has received financial support, particularly through the Mayoral Relief Fund and NZ Red Cross, and work to attract additional external funding is ongoing. There is also rebuild support through The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and Tātau Tātau o Te Wairoa.“At the end of the day, we all want the same goal - that whānau are back in healthy, restored homes.“It is a long journey, but we are working through it to develop a plan that drills right down to every length of skirting board needed. As we get a clearer understanding of what we are dealing with, we can put strategies and objectives in place.” REBUILDING FROM FLOOD EVENTS

Steve Fabish (pictured) has returned to Wairoa to support progress of the town’s flood mitigation scheme.Steve’s role relates to the development of flood mitigation to help protect the North Clyde side of town. This project was announced by Central Government following the Cyclone Gabrielle North Clyde flooding and includes $70 million ring fenced for flood mitigation for Wairoa.Steve is no stranger to Wairoa, having worked for the Wairoa District Council in an executive leadership role to assist the Council post-Cyclone Gabrielle.He took up the Wairoa position in March last year with the intention of staying for three months but ended up staying for six months and continued to provide support after that.Steve has recently been based in Gisborne as the FOSAL (Future of Severely Affected Land) Recovery Programme Manager. This programme included property categorisation, Category 2P elevation, Category 3 buyback and demolition, and a commercial sediment and debris removal scheme.With these skills, experience, and an understanding of the Wairoa community, Steve is an ideal candidate for the new role with the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council.Steve is looking forward to reconnecting with the local people and working hard to achieve a successful outcome for what he knows will be a challenging but beneficial project for the Wairoa community. Wairoa Mayor Craig Little said Steve is a great choice for this role. “He knows our community well and has the experience and knowledge to manage this vital project. We welcome Steve back to Wairoa. He is well-respected, and we look forward to working with him.”WAIROA FLOOD MITIGATION SCHEME SENIOR PROGRAMME MANAGER APPOINTEDRANGATAHI WĀNANGAExpanding the creative minds of rangatahi was the focus of a series of wānanga held in July.The wānanga were part of a series of North Clyde flood-recovery events and used taiao (environment) to inspire artistic talents.Whaowhia tōu kete was an opportunity for young people to learn new skills and fill their minds with the arts of mahi toi, song writing, haka, and photography.The work from the wānanga will culminate with an exhibition on October 11 at Wairoa Taiwhenua.The Wairoa Mayoral Relief Fund, established in response to the impact of the subsequent heavy rainfall event on June 26 2024, is now open for applications.The local fund supports Wairoa residents most affected by the flood event, particularly those whose homes have been yellow-stickered. So far around $280,000 has been distributed to applicants.The aim of the fund is to provide some relief to those impacted and enable some immediate needs to be met. There is not enough funding available to meet everyone’s needs, and the fund is not intended as a substitute for insurance.Applications can be made online via the Wairoa District Council website or by calling the Council offices and collecting a hardcopy application form.All applications are considered by a panel comprising Nigel How, Chair of Wairoa Taiwhenua, well-respected kaumātua Hine Kohn and Wairoa Mayor Craig Little.A reminder to applicants, if you can please complete your application online as this enables it to be processed more quickly. Also don’t forget to attach the relevant information, especially bank account details.To apply head to https://www.wairoadc.govt.nz/services/civil-defence-emergency/flood-related-information/wairoa-mayoral-relief-fund-june-2024/WAIROA MAYORAL RELIEF FUNDOPEN FOR APPLICATIONS

The goal of supporting whānau to get back into their North Clyde flood-affected homes is being achieved.Following Cyclone Gabrielle, the Wairoa Mayoral Relief Fund was launched to assist flood-impacted people, prioritising those whose homes were stickered as a result of flooding.Over the past 18 months there has been a drive to attract additional donations to the fund with the aim of supporting uninsured people to get back into their homes.Wairoa Mayor Craig Little said since Cyclone Gabrielle, the goal has always been to try as hard as we can to assist those people who are uninsured.“I am thrilled that the rebuild work has now begun with the first home on Waihirere Road selected based on a priority housing matrix.“The rebuild work will be carried out on a like-for-like basis and there is also a requirement that houses assisted through the Mayoral Relief Fund must be insured in the future. We are also fortunate to have had very generous donations of labour and materials, which is all going towards the rebuild work.”Building work on the first house has been carried out by Wayne Jacobs of WJ Construction in the Waikato. Wayne said he saw Wairoa Mayor Craig Little on television and reached out to offer a couple of weeks of free labour and support to help Wairoa homes.“I have no connection to Wairoa, I like to help out and this has been a great way to make a contribution.”In the North Clyde area, homes are being rebuilt through assistance from Tātau Tātau o Te Wairoa, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and also support for electricity and plumbing work through New Zealand Red Cross.GETTING WHĀNAU BACK INTO THEIR HOMESWork is underway at the first home to be repaired through the Wairoa Mayoral Relief Fund. Pictured from left is Deputy Mayor Denise Eaglesome Karkare, homeowner Wiki Hauraki, Wayne Jacobs of WJ Construction in the Waikato who has donated two weeks of time, Kohi Poharama who is offering voluntary work on the rebuild and Hugh Eaglesome-Karekare of Savage Electrical Solutions.The Rapid Relief Team (RRT) has been digging deep for the flood-impacted Wairoa community.RRT displays care and compassion to people in crisis, providing free catering assistance and support in emergencies.The RRT volunteers from both Napier and Gisborne came to Wairoa directly after the June flooding, setting up a barbecue in the southern flooded area and feeding free food to affected people and volunteers who were helping with the flood cleanup. The RRT has also donated 80 food boxes for the Wairoa community with the donations being distributed from the Wairoa Pātaka.Each box contains around $50 worth of products which will last a family of four for a couple of days.Wairoa Mayor Craig Little praised the generosity of the Rapid Relief Team. “These guys have been here when we needed them the most. Initially, they set up their barbecue and fed hundreds of flood-impacted people and volunteers with an enormous amount of food and focusing on the area that needed it most. They are on the ground supporting and also make significant valuable contributions. Thanks so much to everyone involved with the Rapid Relief Team for all you have done for Wairoa.”Clarke Judd of the Rapid Relief Team boosted the Wairoa Pātaka with food boxes recently. He is pictured with Māori Warden Dawn Wairama, Wairoa Mayor Craig Little and Pātaka Distribution Manager Jordan Winiata. CONTINUES TO SUPPORT WAIROARAPID RELIEF TEAM

Need support? We’re here.If the past year has left you feeling out of sorts, we’re here to help.Maybe you’re feeling anxious, sad, stressed, frustrated, or worried about your tamariki. You may be experiencing different feelings, and they might come and go. These feelings are understandable given the stress of recent weather events and it is perfectly normal to think and feel this way. Talking with someone might help. CONTACT US TODAY ABOUT FREE MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT IN WAIROA Contact our Registered Counsellor Sharon on 0508 678 910 • 260 Marine Parade, Wairoawww.napierfamilycentre.org.nzFREE confidential & professional service availableOur counselling team can support you with strategies to get on the right trackWe work with adults, tamariki, families & couples from all walks of lifeYou don’t have to be physically aected by a natural disaster for your well-being to be impacted

WAIROA RECOVERYFOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT US• Online form via WDC website: www.wairoadc.govt.nz/contact-us/customer-service-request• Call free 0508 YROA4U or 0508 976248• Email recovery@wairoadc.govt.nz• In-person at the Recovery Team Office at the Wairoa Airport (end of Airport Road) our office hours are Monday to Friday 9am-4pm.• Recovery Website www.wairoarecovery.co.nzDisclaimer: The Wairoa Recovery team has made every effort to ensure that this information is as up-to-date and accurate as possible. We acknowledge this is a rapidly changing environment and the information provided should be used for general purposes only. We encourage people to seek additional information before making any business, legal or other decisions. If you have any queries, please don’t hesitate to contact us at recovery@wairoadc.govt.nz.A massive funding drop to support Wairoa’s future emergency resilience has seen around 60 local community groups secure money through the Cyclone Gabrielle Appeal Trust.The Cyclone Gabrielle Appeal was launched to empower local communities to rebuild and support their resilience to respond to extreme weather events.A total of 174 applications were made from Hawke’s Bay groups, with 59 successful Wairoa applications securing more than $1.5 million in support.The successful Wairoa groups included marae, local community and sports organisations, clubs, trusts, schools, and community hall committees.Many of the applications focused on future resilience, including emergency readiness and disaster preparation through improved infrastructure for community hubs and evacuation centres, solar power, heating and reliable water storage and filtration.Funding will also be used for cyclone-related repairs and replacement, such as fencing and drainage.Additional funding application focused on learning support and maara kai and horticulture for food sustainability.Wairoa Mayor Craig Little said it was a great outcome to see so many local organisations apply for the funding and be successful.“We are also very appreciative of the support we received from former Napier Mayor and fund trustee Barbara Arnott who encouraged Wairoa groups to submit funding applications. Because of this encouragement the Council was able to assist in facilitating workshops for community groups that were interested in applying to the fund. Having the opportunity to link community groups with funders ensured a high level of support for Wairoa and we appreciate the effort all these applicants went to. “Emergency management is everyone’s responsibility, and we all need to be prepared as best we can. It is really encouraging to see marae, groups, and communities from throughout our vast district taking the lead to be prepared and support their whānau.“In our district, we know what the impact of a disaster can mean, and it is reassuring that our communities are working to be as prepared as possible for any eventuality.”The funding round for the Cyclone Gabrielle Appeal for $14 million opened on 20 March 2024 and closed on 29 May 2024. The demand was overwhelming, with 1370 applications requesting over $50 million, more than 360% more than the amount available.The Cyclone Gabrielle Appeal raised $13,569,666. This amount, plus interest earned, enabled the Trustees to make grants to 558 projects aligning to the Trust funding round priority totalling $14,137,699.For more information, visit www.cycloneappeal.org.nz/what-we-funded/FUNDING BOOST FOR WAIROA’S RESILIENCE