HĪNĀTORE - CYCLONE GABRIELLE ANNIVERSARY A TIME TO REFLECT
The first anniversary of Cyclone Gabrielle is a time to reflect on the progress that has been made and the challenges still ahead, says Wairoa Recovery Manager Benita Tahuri.
“While we still have over 100 stickered houses, we are slowly achieving our goal of whānau returning to their homes. More than 120 placards have been removed from yellow and white placarded homes.
“There are still a series of challenges preventing progress in some areas. One of these is Wairoa properties being labelled Land Categorisation 2A. This is a category of uncertainty, and work is progressing to develop flood protection for our town to enable properties to move to 2C and 1. For some houses, this shift would remove a rebuild barrier.
“For others, insurance is a challenge, with some insurers waiting for a Land Categorisation change, others going straight into managed rebuilds, and others offering payouts, and some negotiations still going on. And as we know, a high number of whānau are not insured.
“The Recovery Office continues to advocate on your behalf. If you are having a problem with your insurance, please contact us.
“The Recovery team is working with Wairoa District Council regarding building consents to ensure this process is as streamlined as possible. Plans are also being developed so there are clear guidelines around the priorities relating to rebuilding.
“Housing rebuilds remain the focus, and we are starting to see traction with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints planning to rebuild five homes, and perhaps more. Tātau Tātau o Te Wairoa, with funding through Te Puni Kokiri, is working towards essential rebuilds. This is mainly focused on plumbing and electrical work.
“We also remain grateful for the support received from the Red Cross to help people get back into their homes.
“It is encouraging to see whānau starting to take charge of their own recovery and making plans so they are better prepared for the future.
“The Wairoa Recovery Office was initially set up to run until the end of next month, and plans are being developed to transition away from a separate recovery office and the role being absorbed within Council.
“Support will still be available as we all work towards repairing our district and building back better.”
4 November 2024
Back to Updates
