The Labour Government should be proud of what they did to support Wairoa, particularly in the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle, Mayor Craig Little told the leader of the Labour Party, Chris Hipkins, during a visit to town last week.

Mr Hipkins, along with Labour MP for Ikaroa-Rāwhiri Cushla Tangaere-Manuel, met at Ahi Kōmau – Gemmells on Parade in the main street of Wairoa. The refurbished area, formally the site of burned-out buildings, was redeveloped under the Labour Government as part of a Kanoa – Regional Economic Development and Investment project. The funding also includes redesigning the ‘Winter’s building, next to Gemmells on Parade and relocating Wairoa’s site, which is set to be completed this year.

Mr Little also acknowledged the previous government’s cyclone response paying particular tribute to the support received from the Emergency Management Minister of the time Kieran McAnulty and the investment under the Labour Government into roading and silt and debris removal. Mr Little said the 100% emergency roading funding is vital for Wairoa’s survival, particularly when Council is absorbing so many other cyclone-related costs.

Mr Little went on to say getting whānau back into their homes, roading connectivity and health remain Wairoa’s priorities.

“Wairoa is known as the worst impacted community, per capita, and we are still waiting for additional support from the new coalition government. We have had no aged care or intellectually disabled facilities for 16 months, and our mental health needs are increasing. SH2 to Napier is not fit for purpose, the trip can take twice as long as pre-cyclone and people are missing important health appointments because of the delays. The message we are being given is if you are old or have special needs, you can’t live in Wairoa. That is simply not good enough. We need these services reinstated urgently, and we need to improve the resilience of SH2, starting with the Waikare overpass.”

Mr Little thanked Mr Hipkins for visiting Wairoa again, staying in touch and recognising the district’s needs.

Image Caption: leader of the Labour Party Chris Hipkins (second left) and Labour MP for Ikaroa-Rāwhiri Cushla Tangaere-Manuel (right) visited Wairoa last week and met Deputy Mayor Denise Eaglesome-Karekare (left) and Mayor Craig Little.

25 June 2024

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