TWO STEPS FORWARD AND ONE STEP BACKWARDS

The impact of Cyclone Gabrielle can be clearly seen across our district, in our township, particularly North Clyde, and across our farmland.
Wairoa recovery Manager Benita Tahuri says that sometimes there is so much still to do that we don’t see what has been achieved.
“Some days, it may be two steps forward and one step backwards, but at least we are still moving forward.”
“From where we have come from to where we are now is a giant leap. We now have 44 dwellings that have moved from yellow stickered to white stickered and six homes with yellow stickers removed.
“Our kaimanaaki are on the streets ‘ground truthing’ to make sure our data is accurate, and we are seeing that there are many more homes that are very close to shifting from yellow to white and then to no sticker, which is encouraging.
“Extra Recovery staff has meant we are more present in the community and can respond more quickly and efficiently to people’s needs. We are also working collaboratively with a range of services and organisations, helping us connect to where we need to.
“Following requests, silt has been cleared from underneath 133 homes, plus homeowners have removed silt themselves, and around 45,000 tonnes of silt has been moved, mainly from the Wairoa township.
“In the Wairoa district, more than 25,000m3 of woody debris has been stockpiled to get it away from bridges, culverts, and off-beaches to provide safe recreational areas along the coastline, river mouths, beaches and bridges.
“We have had many impacted businesses reopen, and new businesses have also sprouted up due to the cyclone. North Clyde’s iconic and popular Ponderosa Fish and Chip shop has reopened under new ownership, and the Vista restaurant is back. On the weekend, Wairoa’s new main street development, Ahi Kōmau – Gemmells on Parade, which features a courtyard space and houses three businesses focusing on hospitality, retail and training, was opened. Three tenants have been secured for the space: Gemmells – Café, Bar and Restaurant owned by Layton and Ange Gemmell, Beauty Antix beauty treatment business owned by Amber Forrest and Jays Nutribox owned by Jay Byun.
“We are also seeing a focus on resilience and not just doing things the same old way.
​“There is a drive to build back better, strengthen our foundations and enable Wairoa to be the best it can be.
“Getting whānau back in their homes remains a priority, along with looking after our rural population and pushing to get the services that Wairoa needs.
“Recovery is a long journey; you are not alone, and it is not too late to reach out for support or help; we are here for everyone.”
“If you or anyone you know needs assistance or advice to get back into your home, from under-house silt removal to help with moisture testing and plumbing, please email recovery@wairoadc.govt.nz or phone 0508 976248.”

21 October 2024

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