Wairoa has been well supported during the Cyclone Gabrielle Civil Defence Emergency by experts from the Bay of Plenty/Whakatane.

Wairoa Mayor Craig Little said it has been reassuring to have support from the Emergency Management Bay of Plenty, Whakatane District Council and the Bay of Plenty Regional Council over this time. These organisations have generously shared their expert staff who are experienced in emergency response and that has been key to our response and to progressing our planning for a transition to recovery.

“Wairoa has historically enjoyed a great relationship with our neighbours in the Bay of Plenty as well as many other Councils across the country. Our early isolation from Hawke’s Bay via the roading network, and the pressure Hawke’s Bay was under, combined with the ongoing challenges Tairawhiti was facing, provided the opportunity for Wairoa to be resourced from Whakatane.

“It is also great to have Local Government New Zealand supporting us with its vast knowledge.

“Many of the staff who were deployed to Wairoa had extensive emergency management response experience and this has proven invaluable. Our Wairoa team is small and nimble and having support staff to share the load with has been fantastic. Despite our geographic isolation, Wairoa has been well supported by our colleagues, agencies and support organisations and we are grateful for the specialised assistance we have received. Thank you particularly to our Bay of Plenty/Whakatane friends for all the work you have carried out.”

For more information about our Cyclone Gabrielle response, please click the button below.

Cyclone Gabrielle

28 February 2023

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