Looking after our people and assessing the impact of flooding is our focus.

The Wairoa River levels are continuing to slowly fall and all weather warnings for Wairoa have now been lifted.

Wairoa is supported by emergency personnel in town to support the community, with Minister for Emergency Management, the Hon. Mark Mitchell and Wendy Wright, NEMA (National Emergency Management Agency) National Controller, also in town.

Hundreds of people have been evacuated, or self-evacuated, and working with affected people and their immediate needs during this challenging and emotional time is the priority.

At this stage we have assessed just over 400 impacted properties with 116 moderately damaged, six majorly impacted and 72 recorded as receiving minor damage. Vehicles, sheds, garages have also been flood-inundated.

The Rapid Building Assessment process of flooded properties and clean-up is underway.

Please place your flood affected waste items on the kerbside outside your property clear of roads, drains and kerb and channel. Please call council to lodge a CSR https://www.wairoadc.govt.nz/contact-us/customer-service-request/ and Council contractors will organise for these to be picked up.

The landfill is open to receive regular waste please don't take flood effected items there.

We are urging people to please check in on your neighbours. We need to know that everyone in our district is safe. With road closures throughout the district we particularly want to ensure our rural community is safe.

Our teams will also be out and about throughout the district today. If you know of people who are isolated or can update on any roading issues please let us know.

Our Evacuation centres at the War Memorial Hall, Taihoa Marae and Hinemihi Marae continue to support those whānau in need with other facilities on standby throughout the district.

Council is assisting with displaced animals. If you need support please contact the Council.

The state highways connecting Napier, Wairoa and Gisborne are open, for updates please go to journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic

There are also local road closures causing rural pockets to be isolated. For updated local road closures, please go to the Wairoa District Council website.

People are urged to prioritise their safety and look after themselves and each other and remain watchful and vigilant.

Wairoa Mayor Craig Little said Wairoa was in crisis following Cyclone Gabrielle and has now reached a catastrophic level and we need external help.

“We appreciate the $100,000 donation from Minister for Emergency Management Mark Mitchell which will assist us to begin our recovery. “It is reassuring to have support on the ground, thank you for being here and being able to see for yourself what our community is going through.”

“Thank you also to the emergency personnel who are in town assisting us and to the hundreds of people who have reached out to Wairoa offering their help and assistance.”

Please everyone stay safe and reach out if you have any needs. You can call 06 838 7309 or email customerservices@wairoadc.govt.nz

27 June 2024

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