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Nei rā te mihi ki a koe e hine i whakapau werawera, mōu i whakapeto ngoi mo ngā whānau o te Wairoa. E mihi tonu ana, e mihi tonu ana.Thank you to Roxanne Waru for her mammoth effort in supporting the team. Rox was the Recovery ‘go to girl’ right from the get-go and played a huge role in setting up the recovery office. Roxanne had been seconded from Te Whatu Ora and she has now returned to her ‘real’ job. But she is so committed that she is still helping out the Recovery team where she can.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.The Fund was established on 14th February 2023 in response to Cyclone Gabrielle and subsequent extreme weather flooding events.The initial distribution was to assist in ensuring residents feel supported and donors saw the impact of their generosity. This is still open to first time applicants.Residual funds will be allocated in a more considered manner.Criteria for funding:The following categories can apply and will be assessed on merit:• Individuals / families /whānau• Local businesses – whose businesses were deemed non-habitable causing displacement• Local marae • Local community organisations and groups• Welfare Requests – ie accommodation costs, travel expenses.Applications for funds are considered where the applicant:• is a permanent resident of the Wairoa District or was a permanent resident/ratepayer of the Wairoa District on 14th February 2023; and• has suffered a financial loss or is experiencing financial hardship as a result of the flooding in February 2023, and subsequent weather events• is not eligible for funding assistance from any other sourceAll funding prioritises white, yellow and red stickered properties, impacted marae, churches, community organisations and groups, affected businesses as well as community groups supporting the clean-up at their expense.MAYORAL RELIEF FUND NEW CRITERIAFRIDAY, AUGUST 25TH 2023 NEWSLETTER 4

All grants are subject to funding availability. Unspent funds (if any) will be applied at the discretion of the Fund Allocation Panel and held for the purposes of other hardship grants under the criteria that exist for that fund for extreme hardship.Process for allocating fundsIn acknowledgement of the fact that applicants are suffering financial difficulty, which is likely to be time sensitive, it is recommended that applications be applied as follows:First Time Applicants• Up to $2,000 for households that have been white, yellow or red stickered,• Up to $1,000 for individuals from homes that have already received a grant, up to a maximum of 3 individuals from that home.• Up to $5,000 for marae, churches, community organisations and affected businesses.• Up to $500 for local Wairoa community groups supporting the cleanup at their own expense.Additional FundingExtra funding of $350,000 has been received and ring-fenced for further distribution to those affected by Cyclone Gabrielle. The criteria for this additional funding is:• Applications for Yellow stickered homes will be considered on a case-by-case basis up to $1,000;• Applications for White stickered homes will be considered on a case-by-case basis up to $500.00;• Applications for Commercial Properties will be considered on a case-by-case basis up to $500.00.All additional fundings applications are to be directed to recovery@wairoadc.govt.nzThe funds allocation panel may request additional information and larger grants will be considered in special circumstances.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-requestWE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOUPlease share your Cyclone Gabrielle photos and videos with us. We would also really like to hear your stories. To get in touch please email recovery@wairoadc.govt.nzAs part of the cost-sharing package provided to Hawke’s Bay’s five councils, the Government has confirmed $203.5 million toward flood protection for the region.The funds will be provided to Hawke’s Bay Regional Council specifically to support viable flood protection solutions for Category 2 properties. The funds will allow work to make Hawke’s Bay more resilient to future flood risks.Within the funding package, $70 million is allocated for a fully funded and greatly welcomed flood protection scheme for Wairoa. This work will be a collaboration between the Regional Council, Wairoa District Council and Tātau Tātau O Te Wairoa.The project will look at the flood impact on all of Wairoa but will have a major focus on the North Clyde area which flooded in both Cyclone Gabrielle and Cyclone Bola. The outcome will deliver a new flood scheme and supporting flood protection assets.This funding means flood protection can be implemented, which will help manage future severe weather events and means our properties will not fall under Land Category 3 - property buyout.FLOOD PROTECTION INVESTMENT

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-requestBeing isolated by road is still very real for some Wairoa residents.Wairoa’s Civil Defence team has remained in response mode since Cyclone Gabrielle, looking after the welfare of isolated communities.Numbers have risen and fallen over the wet winter as slips and dropouts have closed roads and bridges.Civil Defence controller Juanita Savage said those people who have been isolated are mainly farming people. “We are still doing food and supply drops. One of the biggest challenges is how these farms can get livestock out or feed in.”Civil Defence has also been working across the district to improve local resilience. “Being prepared is key. Civil Defence is here to support but communities and individuals need to be able to look after themselves also. We are working on providing education and training and working with local communities to ensure there is support in place in the case of an emergency.“Being prepared can be as simple as having a grab bag of essential supplies to a generator. It’s all about increasing awareness so people can be prepared and plan ahead.”BE PREPARED AND PLAN AHEADThe Hawke’s Bay Regional Council is focused on developing flood resilience options for land-categorised property owners.The Regional Council has established an engineering team, which is working with the Wairoa District Council and Tātau Tātau o Te Wairoa to engage with the community and identify flood mitigation options.This team is seeking feedback from the community along with reviewing categorisation maps, historical data including flood history, analysing high-resolution aerial photography, photos and videos from Cyclone Gabrielle taken during and immediately after the event, and building inspection reports.A long list of possible mitigations will be developed, and from these a preferred flood mitigation solution will be chosen and concept designs created, along with costings, to identify potential issues or pitfalls such as land access or consents.A flood mitigation solution will be designed and built if it meets the following criteria: • a solution that works and meets the 1 in 100-year flood protection level• agreement in principle for land access to deliver the solution• access to required funding. As a result of Cyclone Gabrielle flooding, affected Wairoa properties are currently categorised as 2A. Flood mitigation will enable these properties to move into 2C and then Category 1 with an agreed form of flood control, ensuring ongoing certainty for homeowners and businesses.The engineering team will refine flood mitigation options and designs through August and September and confirm a design solution by October. People are encouraged to provide feedback through the Wairoa District Council or Wairoa Recovery team, and this information will be passed to the Regional Council.LAND-CATEGORISED PROPERTY OWNERSA temporary structure is being built upstream of the destroyed Waikare Bridge on Glenbrook Road in the Putorino area which will provide access for isolated people.

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-requestProviding for Wairoa’s flood-affected people has been a massive undertaking for Wairoa’s Pātaka.Established by Tātau Tātau o te Wairoa, Pātaka is a hub of essential items, food and supplies for displaced whānau and those in need due to the cyclone.Led by Mark Thomspon, hundreds of kai and hygiene packs have been distributed to put food on the table and provide for the many people who have lost everything.Mark, supported by Christina Hau and Roydon Taylor, said that at the peak of need, around 20 kai boxes were distributed daily. “We are now down to about six kai packs going out every week.”Around 280 kai packs have been distributed since the cyclone, with pet food a hot commodity.The Pātaka was initially set up to manage the vast amounts of donations coming into town. “We had contributions from all over Aotearoa, and establishing the Pātaka hub meant we could approach distribution in a planned way.Mark, who has a logistics background of 12 years with a corporate company in Australia, is the perfect fit to manage the enterprise with every incoming and outgoing item recorded – right down to the last tin. Typically, distribution involves a reference from a local Non-Government Organisation such as Wairoa Recovery, Wairoa Young Achievers Trust, Enabled, Kahungunu Executive or Te Whare Maire o Tapuwae. “These agencies refer people to us; we make up the boxes and then deliver. A standard kai pack, which includes frozen food, will usually feed a family of four for two weeks.The Pātaka also distributes wheelbarrows, shovels, brooms, dehumidifiers, hygiene packs, clean-up kits, beds and whiteware.Mark says they see and hear many heartfelt stories, which motivates them to do their best. “We have definitely seen the best and worst.”While the Pātaka will have to stop at some point, there is still a need and donations and product offers are still coming in. “We are also still sending packs via helicopter out to our isolated communities. In the meantime, we ensure we have a minimum amount of stock to sustain our township for two months. We are still so vulnerable that we want to make sure we have a base supply while we are in rebuild mode in case another event strikes.”The Wairoa Pātaka extends a huge thank you to the following organisations: Te Pū Oranga Whenua, Red Cross, Kindness Collective, Kiwi Christmas Books, MSD, Wairoa District Council, St. Vincent de Paul, Haumako, Moana Fisheries, Container Door, Paeroa Bible Chapel, Waihi Baptist Church, Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence, HB Foundation, Te Puni Kōkiri, The Warehouse and Te Arawhiti.KEEPING FLOOD-AFFECTED WHĀNAU GOINGWairoa’s Pataka team, from left, Christina Hau, Roydon Taylor and manager Mark Thompson.Wairoa’s Pātaka works behind the scenes to keep flood-affected whānau going. Since Cyclone Gabrielle, the Pātaka has distributed:72 Wheelbarrows655 boxes of face masks2,257 packets of noodles450 sets of gloves705 cartons of eggs206 kids’ books77 lego sets426 Coveralls645 packets of rice

The Wairoa Recovery Focus Group is key to connecting the recovery team to grassroot post-cyclone issues.The group of around a dozen people are a vital link to information sharing and demonstrates Wairoa’s recovery being driven by impacted people who are on the ground.Wairoa recovery manager Benita Tahuri said the group shares what is effective and what isn’t and what the needs are. “Members of the group are from different areas of the flood-affected North Clyde community and represent a broad and varied dynamic which is important. It was this group that told us underneath silt removal was a priority and that resulted in the silt crews being established. We are very grateful to have these people on board supporting us, especially when they are all going through so much themselves.”A recent gathering saw the group working through a ‘What’s Hot, What’s Not and What’s Next’ cycle with the group sharing plenty of vital messages with the recovery team.FOCUS GROUPPhone: 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-requestA community-driven evening at Taihoa Marae on the 11th of July was the ideal opportunity to come together and have some kai and kōrero for the residents of North Clyde and their neighbours.Everyone brought a potluck dish to share, and it was an opportunity to talk about the recent flood and issues coming up in recovery.Wairoa Recovery manager Benita Tahuri said the evening at Taihoa Marae was a perfect example of a community leading a community. “It was a fun night of kai and laughter driven by Julianna Dawson and supported by Taihoa Marae whānau and Te Whare Maire o Tapuwae.”There was also an opportunity to distribute some Kooga sportswear and gear donated by the Napier-based sports and team wear business.Kooga founders, Guy and Lizzie McPhail are Wairoa supporters and have been helping where they can, particularly connecting communities and linking them up with resources, from funding to fundraising.Thank you to everyone who made the evening possible, and a big thanks to Guy and Lizzie McPhail of Kooga for donating the kit to be shared with impacted whānau.COMMUNITY POT LUCK DINNERRangatahi enjoying their new Kooga kitWAIROA RECOVERY

ON THE SEARCH FOR THREE KAIMANAAKI/ RECOVERY COORDINATORSPhone: 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-requestThree new Recovery coordinator positions are being created to support the Wairoa recovery work programme. The Wairoa Recovery team is looking for three kaimanaaki who will be the primary point of contact for our affected communities. Their role will be to provide and coordinate support to whānau, iwi, communities and organisations to navigate their way through cyclone recovery and connect them to the correct agencies and support networks to help build a resilient community for the future.The kaimanaaki will be vital connectors and work on the ground as part of the recovery team with a true community focus aimed at supporting whānau. The successful candidates will be pivotal in navigating a successful recovery pathway forward to help our district recover and, where possible, rebuild even better than we were before Cyclone Gabrielle. The kaimanaaki will act as a connector between whanau and the Recovery Office and help ensure the needs of Wairoa’s communities are being raised and addressed.Following the devastation by Cyclone Gabrielle, the Crown has offered a funding package for Hawke’s Bay’s cyclone recovery to help us move forward as a region.The package would secure an overall Crown contribution to Hawke’s Bay of $556m and includes:• Transport: $260m towards Hawke’s Bay’s transport recovery• Flood mitigation: $203m towards flood mitigation works in Category 2 areas and including $70m ringfenced for Wairoa.• Residential property purchases: A capped Crown contribution of $92.5m towards Category 3 residential property purchases in Hawke’s Bay.The offer is conditional on a partnership approach with all councils, and councils sharing the cost with the Crown of voluntary Category 3 residential property purchases.CROWN FUNDING‘Kia akiaki te mana o te tangata’‘To uplift and nurture the mana of the people’This whakatauki drives the focus and commitment of our Kai – mana - aki (akiaki te mana) role and encapsulates the values of the position. It is about nurturing a holistic approach, walking alongside whānau through to recovery. See the opportunity to work in the Wairoa Recovery team in this critical role.Wairoa Recovery Office, through Wairoa Taiwhenua, is seeking three Kaimanaaki to support the recovery work programme and services to whānau and communities across the district.These roles are for a 12-month fixed-term period to meet the Recovery Office’s focus and commitment to recover and reconnect communities that have been adversely affected by flooding and where possible, restore and enhance them.Candidates should be adept at facilitating, coordinating, and connecting support for impacted communities and whānau with agencies and organisations. You will be the primary point of contact and have a familiarity and understanding of the circumstances, immediate needs, and challenges. Your existing relationships and ability to build and maintain quality relationships will be an advantage.To be successful in this role, you will:• Be a great team player, as well as work autonomously.• Have excellent interpersonal and communication skills.• Be whānau-focused and results-driven.• Be highly organised and dedicated to meeting timeframes.What we offer:You will be rewarded with a competitive salary based on your experience, and be a part of a friendly, collaborative and dedicated team.You will receive:Training and development to equip you with the necessary information to be successful in your role.Applications close at midnight on Sunday, September 10, 2023. Applications will be reviewed as they are lodged and may be filled before the closing date. To apply, with a cover letter and CV, or to request a job description, please email the Wairoa Recovery Manager benitat@wairoadc.govt.nzKAIMANAAKI/RECOVERY COORDINATOR3 POSITIONS

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-requestRevamped main street gift and homeware store - Ecko Home offers a feel-good, high sensory experience.Cyclone Gabrielle floodwaters seeped under the door of Ecko Home affecting everything at ground level. Fifth-generation retailer Lauren Johansen made the most of the situation and has given the shop a facelift repainting and brightening up the interior. The relaunch has enabled Ecko to restock and expand with new ranges and brands and a focus on eco-friendly New Zealand-made products. The giftware range literally offers something for everyone from oils, incense and candles to platters and dishes, glassware, potted plants, cushions and throws.Lauren says her heart goes out to everyone who has been affected by Cyclone Gabrielle, particularly those in stickered houses and businesses. “The flooding in the Ecko store is nothing compared to what some people have gone through, but it has provided an opportunity to revamp, and we look forward to people calling in and checking out the changes.”ECKO HOMELocal people have swooped on the free rugby tickets for cyclone-affected whānau to watch the Magpies play in Napier.Hawke’s Bay Rugby, with support from match day sponsor One NZ, have banded together to open the gates to the Magpies v Bay of Plenty Battle of the Bays game on Saturday 9th of September – Free of charge.Locally around 200 people have taken advantage of the free tickets, including a group of secondary students from the Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ngati Kahungunu o Te Wairoa.Following Cyclone Gabrielle, around 35 students and adults lived at the kura for around two weeks. The kura was used for emergency housing for whānau who had lost their homes, or due to road closures, were unable to return home as they live rurally and were in town when the cyclone hit. The students supported those who were staying at the kura demonstrating true Wairoa manaakitanga.A teacher at the kura, whose home was affected, said for her it is one of the toughest situations she has had to deal with, and even harder for the youth. “I was taken back and amazed at the aroha, manaakitanga and rangatiratanga I saw and experienced amongst our students. The resilience and perseverance they have is overwhelming. They worked tirelessly throughout the township off the deck of a 4WD ute, on horseback and at times running and walking from house to house due to fuel shortages. On a daily basis they did what they could shovelling silt, clearing debris, delivering food packages.”MAGPIE TICKETS SWOOPED UP

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-requestJulie Amato describes the Cyclone Gabrielle flooding on Crarer Street as like the tide coming in.“February 14 was a lovely sunny morning, and I heard someone yelling, ‘The river is coming’. I went to the front of our house to look, and the water was about four houses away and coming up the road. It was like a beach wave. At first, I was fascinated and just stood there watching it.”Once the 75-year-old had gathered her thoughts, she alerted her husband Manu, 80, and the couple were able to drive away safely.Eventually, they were evacuated to Taihoa Marae, but only after Manu had returned to their house to collect their dog Pai, who had climbed onto a table, and then be carted out in the bucket of a rescue tractor. Julie says that at Taihoa, you just saw people wandering in, and they had nothing but the wet clothes they were standing in.“By the time we were able to get back to our home, there was just mud everywhere at about table height.”The couple lived in the same house during Cyclone Bola in 1988 and said that back then, the flooded waters just lapped at the top step of their home and didn’t go inside.The Amatos have no insurance. They were insured, but three years ago, their company said they wouldn’t insure them anymore because of damage caused to the house by the leaking roof. Later, the couple discovered a leaking roof had not caused the ceiling damage, but a leaking hot water cylinder - but they were no longer insured by then. The couple has raised their family in their Crarer Street home, having bought the railway house during Manu’s 30-year career with the railways. Floodwaters saw them lose most of their household belongings, but they did manage to save some photos and a few things that were up high. Julie lost some of her mother’s precious items, which she said was hard. “Now we have to start again, but we are not alone.”Manu and Julie are very determined to stay in their solid rimu house. “This is our home, it’s where we brought our children up. Nobody around here wants to move, it’s where our memories are. We are looking forward to how the house could look, it might end up better.” They sleep in a pod on their section, cooking in their shed and washing the dishes in the lean-to. “It is harder at our age, but our age has also meant that we were brought up the old way, so we can handle it.”Julie says that sometimes she goes into their home and has a good cry. “Then I tell myself, ‘Come on Julie’, and then I’m ok again. Our kids come and go, and they bring laughter, which helps.”The couple just wants to get back into their home and are hopeful Tātau Tātau o te Wairoa will be able to help. “We are trying to remain positive that we may be back in our house for Christmas.”Manu and Julie said their neighbours have looked after them along with different providers, the marae and people who have just been checking in on them.The couple said it has been great to see the crews of young people removing silt from under homes and the community coming together and helping each other.WANTING TO BE BACK IN THEIR HOME FOR CHRISTMASSleeping in a pod, cooking in their shed and washing the dishes in the lean-to is the new normal for Crarer Street flood victims Manu and Julie Amato.

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 Government is delivering certainty to displaced homeowners by providing an interim payment to support them when their insurance payments for temporary accommodation run out.The interim payment will be available from 4 September 2023, made weekly and directly to homeowners, and set at 100 per cent of the average rent declared by Accommodation Supplement recipients in the recipients’ region.Displaced homeowners eligible for the interim payment can receive a lump-sum payment covering them from as early as 1 June 2023 to ensure that there is no support gap during this difficult time. More information about the Temporary Accommodation Assistance is available by going to www.beehive.govt.nzState Highway 2 between Wairoa and Napier will be closed at White Pine Bush overnight on Sunday, August 27 2023.The closure points will be at each end of Tangoio Settlement Road, beginning at 8pm on Sunday, 27 August and reopening at 4am Monday, 28 August.Urgent works are required to repair a significant underslip and an active overslip on the uphill which is blocking the drainage. The ponding surface water is causing damage to the pavement and accelerating the underslip.Work will include installing a temporary culvert across the road and digging out a large portion of the overslip material to take the weight off the upper slope.During the closure times, Tangoio Settlement Road (local road) will be available as a detour for light vehicles only. No heavy traffic is permitted on the route.In preparation, and after these works, contractors will be on-site removing material from the upper slope. This work will be undertaken under stop/stop traffic management. Please expect delays of around 10 to 15 minutes between 9am and 4pm leading up to the full night-time closure.GOVERNMENT PROVIDES SUPPORT AND CERTAINTY TO DISPLACED HOMEOWNERSSTATE HIGHWAY 2 OVERNIGHT CLOSUREApplications close on 31 August for commercial entities to access Government funding to recover some of the costs of sediment and debris clean-up on their land following Cyclone Gabrielle.The funding is to help commercial businesses around Hawke’s Bay pay for the cleanup after sediment and debris was dumped on their land by flooding from Cyclone Gabrielle.As of 17 August, 290 applications had been received, and 196 commercial entities have received or will receive $16,082,376.The funding is for work done before now or work that needs to be done.To apply, head to the Hawkes Bay Regional Council website. If you need support with the application process please get in touch through 0800 108 838 or info@hbrc.govt.nz.”Hawke’s Bay Regional Council will be administering the fund based on the amount and eligibility criteria set by the Government. Commercial entities can apply on the Regional Council’s website from 31 August 2023.FUND FOR COMMERCIAL ENTITIES REMOVING SILT AND DEBRIS CLOSING SOON

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 vast roading network was severely damaged in the 2022 weather events and Cyclone Gabrielle. Sadly, there are still roads closed and bridges damaged, creating access issues.The Wairoa District Council received Government funding of $16 million for temporary reinstatement work to get our roads open. This was 100% funded, so there is no impact on the ratepayer.Council has now received an additional $31 million, again 100% funded, and tagged to reinstatement and getting access back. There is still a huge amount of work to do. It is estimated that reinstatement will cost around $80 million to open all the roads and bridges in the Wairoa roading network.To increase roading resilience by moving roads, raising bridges and changing the approach to be more resilient moving into the future, the cost is forecasted at around $200 million.DAMAGED ROADING NETWORKAn integrated approach to rebuilding the East Coast’s transport connectivity following Cyclone Gabrielle could present opportunities for local people.Recently, the Transport Rebuild East Coast (TREC) Alliance was in Wairoa as part of its commitment to working together with those who know Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti best.The Alliance consists of Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, KiwiRail, Downer, Fulton Hogan and Higgins, which will lead the design and delivery of physical works on the state highway and rail networks across Te Matau a Māui (Hawke’s Bay) and Tairāwhiti (Gisborne) following Cyclone Gabrielle.The enormity of the rebuild programme means there is a need for contractors involved in a range of construction services to partner with the Alliance.While the full scope of works and services is still being worked through, contractors who would like to be involved should register their interest by going to: https://forms.office.com/r/6Ynn4d0psxROADING REBUILD OPPORTUNITIESIn person support at Wairoa Recovery (Airport) fortnightly if you need support with your insurance claim. The New Zealand Claims Resolution Service can help you access the services you need to resolve it. They provide free advice, case management where appropriate and access to legal, engineering and wellbeing support, tailored to individual’s needs.CLAIMS RESOLUTION SERVICEThe 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.Contact Alana Hema – Case Manager Directly Mobile 027 720 0055 | Free Phone – 0508 624 327

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 beaches are slowly being returned to their pre-Cyclone Gabrielle state.Clearing of woody debris is being undertaken at Mohaka and Whakamahi beaches and more recently at Mahia with a focus on clearing the Mokotahi Boat launching ramp and area.Stage one of the clearing has involved stacking the debris into piles above the high tide mark so people can once again enjoy using the beaches.Stage two will see the piles removed, shredded, mulched or whatever method of recovery is suitable for the particular site. Some large logs will also be embedded in the upper beach to provide protection for the birdlife.At Mahia, piles of debris are being stacked on the beaches in readiness for removal, and some debris will also be temporarily stacked on Pohutukawa Reserve to reduce the risk of it being washed back into the sea and comprising the boat launch area.People are encouraged to help themselves to firewood from the piles. However, they are also reminded to please be careful around the piles of debris, not to light them on fire and for children particularly not to climb on the stacked piles.The debris clearing has four focus areas:• BRIDGES - 12 high-priority and 14 medium-priority bridge sites throughout the district• WAIROA - Pilot Hill and surrounding area, including Whakamahi, McArdle’s culvert and Ngamotu• MOHAKA - Mohaka River mouth, Willowflat and Waikare• MAHIA - Mahia and Opoutama beaches, Mangawhio Lagoon, Oraka , Mahanga and Blacks beaches.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.BEACH DEBRIS CLEAN-UP WELL UNDERWAYA pathway through debris at Mahia Beach.

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.Don’t forget, as part of rebuilding your flood-affected home, the moisture levels need to be confirmed by the Wairoa District Council before walls can be relined.There have been a number of recent cases where builders have begun to reline homes without having the Council confirm the moisture levels are within the appropriate range for the timber in the house.Relining walls before the moisture levels have been confirmed can lead to trapped moisture, mould and decay. Please contact the Council building team on 06 838 7309 to arrange to have moisture levels confirmed before you start relining walls.MOISTURE CHECKLIST21345Septic tank cleaned, waste pipes flushed & toilet usable.Potable water supply available.Electrical Safety Certificate obtained.7Floors cleaned/disinfected or replaced if required.Silt removed from internal wall cavities, exposed timber cleaned and disinfected.6Moisture content of exposed wall framing has been confirmed <18% by a contractor.*Moisture level requirements for native timbers is 24-25%. Please consult with your builder to confirm your timber type.Silt level gap under piled houses is greater than 400mm from the lowest timber, foundation vents are not blocked, and no organic matter or foul odours are present.*If above conditions cannot be achieved silt level to be reduced to 15mm.*If polythene under house is covered in silt all silt must be removed.MOISTURE VERIFICATION CHECKLISTThis checklist will help guide you as to when you can contact the Wairoa District Council Building team to conduct a verification moisture check.*Steps 1-7 need to be completed before a building inspector can come and complete a moisture verification test to have the white sticker removed from your home.Do you need a dehumidifier to help dry out your home? Email recovery@wairoadc.govt.nz and we will arrange for a dehumidifier to be lent to you.6