After a mammoth effort Wairoa’s roading connectivity is slowly improving following the recent weather bomb.

Wairoa District Council Chief Executive Kitea Tipuna said the district is severely scarred by the continuous heavy rainfall and while Council related services, including the roading network, are being worked on, it will be a long road to recovery.

“Most roads are now open for access although there are limitations with some roads only open to single lane with caution advised. The weather event has had a huge impact and our focus is on the further opening up of roads, assessing the overall damage and the wider clean-up.

“We are asking for caution on the roads, particularly as the district is still very saturated and sodden. Many roads are still extremely vulnerable, and we are working to improve them over the coming days to make sure they hold up as people begin to move on them again.”

“I know it has been a tough time for farmers who are keen to move stock and we are doing everything we can to make this happen.

Mr Tipuna thanked Council staff and contractors for the work they have and are doing.

“We want our communities to be able to be on the move again and I thank everyone who has been impacted for their patience. We have had a very wet and challenging couple of weeks, but it has been great to see the resilience of our community and people supporting each other.”

Mr Tipuna said the Wairoa District Council is working with the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, agencies and Central Government to see how Wairoa’s recovery can be supported. It is good to see that the support required by our Rural Communities is being recognised and plans are being put in place to help support that recovery.

“Locally, a recovery manager has been appointed and as we assess the damage to our district, we will be able to start working out what is needed to help get our district back to normal.

“Anyone who would like to contact Council, either to support the district’s recovery or share information or needs is encouraged to please email recovery@wairoadc.govt.nz”

The most up to date information on the status of our local roads can be found at  https://www.wairoadc.govt.nz/services/roading/

4 April 2022

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