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Me mihi ka tika! When we look across the community and see the magnitude of the work being done, we must acknowledge and honour the many organisations which continue to work for our whānau and community. The impact of the cyclone weighs heavy and, realistically, will do so for a long while.As we work and move forward together, the load will slowly be lightened. We can now see some physical measures of our progress post-cyclone, although some areas are much harder to assess. Like the whakatauki,He Kokonga whare e kitea, he kokonga ngākau e kore kiteaThe corners of a house can be seen, assessed, but not so the burden on the heart and, mind or spiritIt is encouraging to see stickered homes and commercial properties slowly reducing or moving down levels. Since Cyclone Gabrielle, the Wairoa District Council building team has completed 636 building assessments. Over that timeframe, 29 residential placards have been removed from homes, and 37 placards have been removed from commercial properties. Currently, Wairoa has 141 residential white-status homes (liveable), 134 residential yellow-status homes (restricted access), one residential red-status home (not habitable) and one red-status outbuilding (garage). On the commercial front, there are currently 42 white properties and 39 yellow-status properties. Our goal has always been to get people back into their homes. Through silt removal, drying homes, moisture testing and Red Cross funding, we are doing our best to get whānau back into their whare. We recognise how hard it is for people to be displaced from their homes or unable to live in their homes fully, and we are here to help in whatever way possible. There are many criteria around getting homes back to a certified liveable standard; please, if you need assistance, email recovery@wairoadc.govt.nz or call into the Wairoa airport lounge from Monday to Friday between 10am and 2pm.I would like to encourage you all to take some time this week to slow down, take time to spend with family and friends and reflect on the progress, albeit slow, we are making.Wairoa Recovery Manager Benita TahuriFRIDAY, JULY 21ST 2023 NEWSLETTER 3Tuia ki te rangi te rangi e tū nei Tuia ki te whenua e takoto nei Tuia ki te moana pōkarekare nei E rongo i te pō i te ao, i te ao i te pō nei e It is written in the heavens, on the earth and in the seas, and felt in the reflection of night and day. We are the world around us, and all things are intrinsically connected.WAIROA RECOVERYFor information and help relating to Cyclone Gabrielle please contact us:RECOVERY INFORMATION• Online form via WDC website www.wairoadc.govt.nz/contact-us/customer-service-request/• Phone 06 838 7309• 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 10am-2pm.You can also pop into the WYAT office on Marine Parade for support and funding assistance.HE KOKONGA WHARE E KITEAHE KOKONGA NGĀKAU E KORE E KITEA

Phone: 06 838 7309 | Email: recovery@wairoadc.govt.nz | In-person: at the Wairoa Airport (end of Airport Road)CONTACT USOnline form via WDC website: www.wairoadc.govt.nz/contact-us/customer-service-requestWairoa’s partnership with New Zealand Red Cross has included dollars on the ground supporting recovery for Wairoa whānau.Mayor Craig Little said the Red Cross was in Wairoa immediately after Cyclone Gabrielle. “They were here from the beginning; they were part of the initial response, and they understand our needs. It is a very positive two-way relationship especially as they keep coming back, checking on us and asking how they can help.“The Red Cross has supported us in many ways and has been vital in helping Wairoa’s Recovery Support Team to assist whānau in practical ways.”The Red Cross’s $1.1 million Liveable Homes Fund is helping whānau restore their flood-affected homes to a safe and liveable standard. This support assists people with septic tank cleaning, reticulation plumbing, reinstatement of home heating and essential electrical and bathroom repairs.Cyclone Gabrielle impacted around 320 homes in the Wairoa district. Support from the Red Cross fund is helping people to get back into their homes by restoring hot water and gas for cooking and showering, clearing drains and stormwater and repairing leaking pipes.To assist the work Wairoa’s Cyclone Gabrielle Recovery team has assembled a group of tradies who are assessing homes in and around Wairoa.Wairoa Recovery manager Benita Tahuri said getting Red Cross funding out to our community for repairs was difficult initially as many of our tradies were already working at full capacity. Now that we have a small team together, it is a bit easier to connect all the dots and support this vital work.Wairoa’s partnership with the Red Cross is helping whānau return to their homes. Pictured from left, Wairoa District Council Chief Executive Kitea Tipuna, Wairoa Mayor Craig Little, Wairoa Recovery manager Benita Tahuri, support staff Roxanne Waru and Red Cross representatives Phil Parker and Henry Davies. “We have had whānau who have not had hot water at their properties since the cyclone. It’s awesome to get people’s toilets and showers working again. It’s a big deal for our whānau to have their first hot shower or bath at their home in months.”Flood-affected residents who need help with essential plumbing and electrical repairs, reinstating heating and septic cleaning are asked to contact the Recovery team. Support is also available for people who are insured or underinsured.To access funding, you can either:• apply to be reimbursed for the repair work completed• apply to have your quoted work paid directly to the contractor once the work is complete• apply for our trade team to come and assess what work needs to be completed at your propertyRED CROSSPARTNERSHIPWairoa’s Mayoral Relief Fund has approved just over $700,000 to help local people recover from Cyclone Gabrielle.As of the end of June, the fund had received around $1,276,186 in donations.Wairoa Mayor Craig Little said it is great to have been able to support so many local people who have been affected by the Cyclone Gabrielle flooding.“Our focus has been on those people whose houses have been stickered. We look forward to continuing with the distributions to help people impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle.“Thank you to all those people, businesses and organisations who have donated to this fund to help our people rebuild their lives. Your generosity has been overwhelming.”Applications can be made via the following link: https://www.wairoadc.govt.nz/our-council/MAYORAL RELIEF FUND

Phone: 06 838 7309 | Email: recovery@wairoadc.govt.nz | In-person: at the Wairoa Airport (end of Airport Road)CONTACT USOnline form via WDC website: www.wairoadc.govt.nz/contact-us/customer-service-requestTātau Tātau o Te Wairoa has now assessed close to 150 flood-damaged properties for its essential housing repairs programme.Chair Leon Symes says they are now, ‘hammer ready’ to get work on repairs underway, but the government’s categorisation of properties is causing delays.Most flood-damaged properties in Wairoa have been categorised ‘2A’ — which means a flood resilience plan for Wairoa needs to be completed to determine if properties will require flood protection measures, or they will no longer be able to get building consent for the repairs. The flood resilience plan has to be completed with government approval to move to re-categorisation to either ‘1’ or ‘2C’ before funding can be released and repair work can begin. Tātau Tātau o Te Wairoa has met with local authorities and is liaising with government agencies — advocating on behalf of whānau for a faster process to get repairs started. However, it could be months before the regional council completes the flood resilience plan, and even longer for final decisions on next steps and the government funding released.In the meantime, any whānau with flood damaged properties who have not applied to be part of the Tātau Tātau o Te Wairoa housing repairs programme are still able to do so by registering at the Recovery Hub. They will need to complete the registration forms and then Tātau Tātau o Te Wairoa will organise a housing assessment.Further relocatable temporary housing has also been promised by government and will be arriving over the next few months. Whānau can contact the Recovery Hub if they wish to register for the relocatable housing pods. Thirteen relocatable pods have been delivered so far and up to an additional 57 are expected to be delivered by the end of the year. The Pātaka set up after the cyclone by Tātau Tātau o Te Wairoa is also still continuing to support flood-affected whānau and is distributing essential items on referrals from the Recovery Hub and other Non-Governmental Agencies. The Pātaka has ongoing funding from the government and is receiving donations from many other funders, including a big fundraising drive through the Trade Me ‘Kindness Store’. Whanau with any needs are encouraged to get in touch through the Recovery Hub. The Pātaka will do its best to meet any immediate needs of flood-affected whānau.TĀTAU TĀTAU O TE WAIROA ASSISTANCE FOR FLOOD-AFFECTED WHĀNAUSTATUS OF STICKERED HOMES27 yellow to white | 1 red moved to yellow | 2 yellow moved to placard removedWHITE141WHITE196YELLOW134YELLOW 123YELLOW 212129PLACARDS REMOVED

Clearing silt from under homes and properties has been a major focus of Wairoa’s recovery.Silt has now been cleared from under around 100 homes.The challenging work is being carried out by local silt removal teams who have come together to help rebuild Wairoa. For many the silt removal began by helping their own whānau and has grown from there.Silt removal involves crawling under houses and shuttling the silt out on wooden sleds. In some areas hip-high silt has been removed to enable homes and buildings to dry out.Silt removal around and under homes involves a different approach for each home depending on access, type of foundation, type of insulation, depth of silt and a risk assessment. Silt removal is important as excessive silt levels can contribute to mould and decay.For silt removal please lodge a Customer Service Request: • Online form https://www. wairoadc.govt.nz/contact-us/ customer-service-request/ • Phone 06 838 7309 • In-person at the Recovery Team Office at the Wairoa airport Monday to Friday between 10am -2pm or call into the Wairoa Young Achievers Trust building (the old Westpac building on the corner of Marine Parade. DIGGING THE DIRT ON SILT REMOVAL Phone: 06 838 7309 | Email: recovery@wairoadc.govt.nz | In-person: at the Wairoa Airport (end of Airport Road)CONTACT USOnline form via WDC website: www.wairoadc.govt.nz/contact-us/customer-service-requestMac Kapene’s repurposed forestry team has helped with under house silt removal.Under house silt removal is a team effort.SILTREMOVED97FROM HOMES AND BUSINESSES

Phone: 06 838 7309 | Email: recovery@wairoadc.govt.nz | In-person: at the Wairoa Airport (end of Airport Road)CONTACT USOnline form via WDC website: www.wairoadc.govt.nz/contact-us/customer-service-requestFRIDAY 28 JULY 10am | WAIROA GOLF CLUBWHEN TIMES GET TOUGH WE NEED TO...Register with Kylie Brown: 021 026 58057 kyliebrown.occ@gmail.comFREE EVENTAs a rural representative or partner, you might be the rst to recognise when a client, colleague or partner needs support. Join Craig (Wiggy) Wiggins, to learn tools and strategies for dealing with mental health issues, coping with the impacts of the cyclone, having conversations about tricky stu and share a bbq lunch and banter.We’ll chat about staying well, on-farm HR stu, and how to get help when times are tough. Free Rural Health check-ups will also be available.Featuring Slade McFarland, former Maori All Black, Super Rugby Rep and now mental health advocateFRIDAY 28 JULY 10am | WAIROA GOLF CLUBWHEN TIMES GET TOUGH WE NEED TO...Register with Kylie Brown: 021 026 58057 kyliebrown.occ@gmail.comFREE EVENTAs a rural representative or partner, you might be the rst to recognise when a client, colleague or partner needs support. Join Craig (Wiggy) Wiggins, to learn tools and strategies for dealing with mental health issues, coping with the impacts of the cyclone, having conversations about tricky stu and share a bbq lunch and banter.We’ll chat about staying well, on-farm HR stu, and how to get help when times are tough. Free Rural Health check-ups will also be available.Featuring Slade McFarland, former Maori All Black, Super Rugby Rep and now mental health advocateAs a rural representative or partner, you might be the first to recognise when a client, colleague or partner needs support.Join Craig (Wiggy) Wiggins, to learn tools and strategies for dealing with mental health issues, coping with the impacts of the cyclone, having conversations about tricky stuff and share a bbq lunch and banter.We’ll chat about staying well, on-farm HR stuff, and how to get help when times are tough. Free Rural Health check-ups will also be available.Featuring Slade McFarland, former Maori All Black, Super Rugby Rep and now mental health advocateRegister with Kylie Brown: 021 026 58057 kyliebrown.occ@gmail.comFRIDAY 28 JULY 10amWAIROA GOLF CLUBWairoa’s Recovery team is now based at the Wairoa Airport. Pictured from left are Roxanne Waru, Benita Tahuri and Rupene Amato.For support and assistance call into the airport Monday to Friday from 10 am to 2pm or email recovery@wairoadc.govt.nzSTATUS OF STICKERED BUSINESSES2 yellow moved to placard removed | 4 yellow to whiteWHITE42WHITE66YELLOW39YELLOW 110YELLOW 23537PLACARDS REMOVEDat the Wairoa Business Hub, Marine Parade

Phone: 06 838 7309 | Email: recovery@wairoadc.govt.nz | In-person: at the Wairoa Airport (end of Airport Road)CONTACT USOnline form via WDC website: www.wairoadc.govt.nz/contact-us/customer-service-requestKnee-deep floodwaters did not stop Beauty Antix from bouncing back into business.The award-winning Wairoa beauty therapy clinic, situated on the corner of Carroll Street and Mahia Avenue in North Clyde, suffered significant floodwater and silt damage and lost all its operational equipment in the Cyclone Gabrielle event.A massive whānau effort saw the building gutted and then refurbished and the doors now open once again. And a bonus is that while staff were unable to work, they took part in additional training and upskilling so are now ready to welcome clients back to Beauty Antix.Owner Amber Forrest said she is grateful for the loving support she has received from the community. “It is great to be back in business, appointments are filling up and we have a great range of new stock and re-opening deals.”Make your beauty treatment appointment online at beautyantix.co.nz, Facebook, phone 06 838 8761 or call in.BEAUTY ANTIXThe East Coast Rural Support Trust is a charitable trust that works with the rural community when times are tough on the farm or for your family. We also assist during and after adverse events. We have local, rural people who know from experience that pressures can mount up, our networks and training can help with all kinds of situations and can help you get through your current challenges from Health and wellbeing, financial and adverse events. Our service is free and confidential.Kylie Brown is our Wairoa Facilitator.For assistance contact:0800 787 254 www.rural-support.org.nzRural Support Trust Wairoa on Facebook.Hawke’s Bay Regional Council has received an Order in Council that temporarily allows open-air burning of cyclone and flood waste on commercial scale horticultural and agricultural properties not located in the Hastings or Napier airsheds.This temporary law change will be in place between 5 July and the burning must finish by 1 November 2023. Find out more at hbrc.info/OICBurningNEW BURNING REGULATIONS

Phone: 06 838 7309 | Email: recovery@wairoadc.govt.nz | In-person: at the Wairoa Airport (end of Airport Road)CONTACT USOnline form via WDC website: www.wairoadc.govt.nz/contact-us/customer-service-requestThe impact of Cyclone Gabrielle is still being felt by our affected communities and those supporting the recovery process.Rebuilding and recovering following a major disaster can be an emotional stage, with feelings ranging from frustration to grief to optimism when achievements are realised along the way.And even if you were not directly affected, visual reminders of the impact of the cyclone or working to support the recovery can cause strain. It’s also common for reminders of the event, such as recent rainfall, to bring back feelings of anxiety and memories of the day.The time frame and pathway of rebuilding will be different for everyone affected, as will be the road for psychological recovery as people often cope in different ways.The love and support of whānau and friends, as well as making time for self-care, will help many people through this difficult time. Basic things, such as eating well and getting enough sleep, make a big difference to your mental wellbeing, as does connecting with people you love and doing things that you enjoy.SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITYThe Sediment and Silt Recovery Fund for Commercial Entities opened at the beginning of June and the cut-off for applications is now 31 July 2023.THE LATEST ROUND OF SEDIMENT AND SILT FUNDING• Log on to www.wellbeingsupport.health.nz to find a service close to you or you can call or text Need to Talk 1737 any time to talk with a trained counsellor.• At most general practices you can phone and book in to see a Health Improvement Practitioner (HIP), a registered mental health professional who provides advice and support promoting self-management and connects people to other services they may need. Every day, HIPs have appointments that are not pre-booked so you can phone a general practice where you are enrolled and book in on that day.• The Depression Helpline – Call 0800 111 757 or text 4202 to talk to a trained counsellor about how you are feeling or to ask any questions.• Youthline – Call 0800 376 633, text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz, or go to youthline.co.nz for an online chat.• The Lowdown – Text 5626 for support to help young people recognise and understand depression or anxiety.• Healthline – Call 0800 611 116 for health advice and information.• Alcohol Drug Helpline – Call 0800 787 797 to speak with a trained counsellor.• Tips and support, go to allsorts.org.nz.• Free wellbeing apps - You can download the Groov and Headstrong wellbeing apps free for android and Apple phones. Just go to Google Play or the Apple app store.• Rural Support Trusts - A local Rural Support Trust (RST) is a great place to access free and confidential support and advice. This nationwide network, run by local people, helps farming families and rural communities. RSTs have facilitators trained to recognise issues with mental health and wellbeing. They can also put you in touch with services including health information or financial support. You can give them a call to talk through your options. Call 0800 787 254 (0800 RURAL HELP) to arrange a free and confidential chat at a place that suits you, or visit rural-support.org.nz• Farmstrong is a nationwide wellbeing programme for the rural community. Their aim is to help you live well to farm well. On their website you can find a range of resources to help you manage your wellbeing. Visit: farmstrong.co.nzWHERE YOU CAN SEEK HELP

Phone: 06 838 7309 | Email: recovery@wairoadc.govt.nz | In-person: at the Wairoa Airport (end of Airport Road)CONTACT USOnline form via WDC website: www.wairoadc.govt.nz/contact-us/customer-service-requestWork is underway to clear woody debris left by Cyclone Gabrielle around the Wairoa district.Four areas are currently being focussed on:• BRIDGES - 12 high-priority and 14 medium-priority bridge sites throughout the district• WAIROA - Pilot Hill and surrounding area, including Whakamahi and McArdle’s culvert, the Railway Bridge and Ngamotu• MOHAKA - Mohaka River mouth, Willowflat and Waikare• MAHIA- Mahia and Opoutama beaches, Managwhio lagoon, Oraka and MahangaConsultation with affected parties and coordination of contractors has begun, with site visits currently being carried out.Recovery methods will likely include stacking above the high-water line, carting to waste and mulching. The clearing focuses on making areas, particularly beaches, accessible for recreational purposes. The Hawke’s Bay Regional Council project is being assisted by the Wairoa District Council and includes liaising with tangata whenua and communities to draw on local knowledge.People are encouraged to report areas that need debris removed by following Council’s CSR (Customer Service Request) process either online https://www.wairoadc.govt.nz/contact-us/customer-service-request/ or by phoning the Council on 06 838 7309 or calling into the Queen Street office.Alternatively, phone the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council on 0800 108 838 or visit the regional council website to inform them about an issue or log a job for the regional council to follow up on.Two funds from Government will support the clean-up of woody debris, including the $10.15m wood debris fund and the $62.6m Sediment and Debris Recovery Fund for commercial entities.CLEAN-UP OF WOODY DEBRIS UNDERWAYClearing work has started at Whakamahi Beach.GOVERNMENT INQUIRY INTO NORTH ISLAND SEVERE WEATHER EVENTS A Government Inquiry to review the response to the North Island severe weather events will be carried out and led by former Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae. The Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management (HB CDEM) Joint Committee, which governs HB CDEM on behalf of the region’s five councils, has welcomed the inquiry. Hinewai Ormsby, Chair of the Joint Committee and Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, says the Inquiry is a significant step in ensuring the emergency management system continues to learn, improve, and provide the best possible outcomes for communities. “As regional leaders, we are committed to an independent, fair, and transparent review of HB CDEM’s response to Cyclone Gabrielle. The Joint Committee has also approved the terms of reference and framework for its own independent review of the HB CDEM Group’s response to Cyclone Gabrielle. The independent review will focus on improving resilience and ensuring HB CDEM has robust emergency management capability and capacity to support better emergency management outcomes for Hawke’s Bay communities.

Phone: 06 838 7309 | Email: recovery@wairoadc.govt.nz | In-person: at the Wairoa Airport (end of Airport Road)CONTACT USOnline form via WDC website: www.wairoadc.govt.nz/contact-us/customer-service-requestCyclone Recovery Minister Grant Robertson has announced that the Government is further supporting businesses, including growers and farmers affected by the North Island weather events earlier this year, by underwriting bank lending and offering cheaper finance options to ensure the long-term survival of critical regional industries.“Businesses have been hard hit by the North Island weather events earlier this year, and the impacts continue to be felt, particularly for those in the horticultural sector. This package was developed with primary producers and will provide relief to key growers, farmers and businesses and help their regions continue to recover.” “There will be three components for different types of support: a loan guarantee scheme in partnership with banks and other lenders who choose to participate, and a concessionary loan and equity scheme run by Kānoa to help hard-hit businesses get to a position to be able to re-engage with their banks and work toward being cashflow positive again.“Further details of the scheme will be announced in the coming weeks. We are targeting around the end of July for the scheme to be up and running, providing time for banks to get systems in place. In the meantime, we expect customers will be able to register their interest in utilising this scheme with their bank.For more information: https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/support-package-growers-farmers-and-businesses-affected-north-island-weather-eventsSUPPORT PACKAGE FOR GROWERS, FARMERS AND BUSINESSESUnder the Government’s Land Category criteria, 789 Wairoa properties have been labelled 2A.This means significant further assessment is required, and while interventions may be required or possible, there is insufficient information to answer all the questions. Wairoa people have clearly stated they do not want to leave their whenua – meaning they don’t want their land to be categorised as Level 3. For Wairoa to move to Land Category 2C, or even Land Category 1, flood mitigation and intervention is needed.Negotiations are ongoing to find a solution for Wairoa that is sustainable and affordable.LAND CATEGORY CRITERIAWork is underway to clear woody debris left by Cyclone Gabrielle around the Wairoa district.

For information and help relating to Cyclone Gabrielle please contact us• Online form via WDC website www.wairoadc.govt.nz/contact-us/customer-service-request/• Phone 06 838 7309• Email recovery@wairoadc.govt.nz• In-person at the Recovery Team Office at the Wairoa Airport (end of Airport Road). Our open hours are Monday to Friday 10am-2pm.You can also pop into the WYAT office on Marine Parade for support and funding assistance with: Mayoral Relief Funding, HBRC Disaster Funding (residential), Pātaka forms, Red Cross FundingWAIROA RECOVERYDisclaimer: The Wairoa Recovery team has made every effort to ensure the information contained in this newsletter 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.Silt is still very much a reminder of the devastation caused by Cyclone Gabrielle.People are being asked to please let the Council know if they need silt collected by following the CSR (Customer Service Request) process. “When silt and items are left on the curbside, and Council hasn’t been requested to pick them up, the silt can seep into stormwater and wastewater lines and create blockages said Wairoa District Council Chief Executive Kitea Tipuna.“The CSR process is centralised and enables Council to monitor where loads are being collected from and, if necessary, arrange for pipes to be flushed as a prevention.“We are getting a lot of blocked drains, especially where people have left silt or other items sitting on the curbside and not requested Council to collect it. By filling out a CSR, the silt or damaged items will be collected, reducing the potential for silt to run into drains.”A reminder also, the Government funding for the free collection of flood-damaged items has now stopped.The collection was introduced following Cyclone Gabrielle to assist people in disposing of flood-affected items, including building materials.In the four-plus months that the collection has been going, thousands of tonnes of flood-affected property was collected and disposed of at no cost to individuals.If you need information or advice on how to dispose of your flood-damaged items at your own cost, please phone Council on 06 838 7309.To lodge a Customer Service Request: • Online form https://www.wairoadc.govt.nz/contact-us/customer-service-request/• Phone 06 838 7309• In-person at the CouncilCSR IS THE WAY TO GO