Wairoa has a small window of opportunity left to complete its flood-related clean-up with the Government-funded Silt and Debris Fund set to finish at the end of June.

Wairoa Mayor Craig Little is urging local people to go hard on clean-ups over the next couple of months before the fund closes.

“We are appreciative that the government extended the fund to the end of June to allow our clean-up to continue. We now have to use that window to remove any flood-related debris and silt. We are focusing on abandoned cars and flood-damaged items and, of course, still removing silt from properties and under houses.

“We have four months left to do this work at no cost to Wairoa ratepayers. After that, there will be no funding, so it is vital we get onto it now.

“It is great to have more scope to be able to clean up the town, but we need buy-in from our community as well. If you have silt, flood-damaged items, buildings and materials, trees and debris or abandoned or derelict cars that need collection and disposal - at no cost to you, or you know of someone or somewhere that needs help, please contact the Recovery Team. For those people who privately paid for silt or debris removal, there may be an opportunity to reimburse you for the costs/insurance excess. Again, check this out with the Recovery Team.

“Council will also be checking its drains and networks, but if you know of an area that still has silt, or a drain that is blocking, please let us know – please be our eyes and ears

“We are extremely grateful to the government for this fund, and the extension, and we encourage people to make the most of it.  As long as the clean-up meets the criteria, the work will be done for free.

“The Council has already collected thousands of tonnes of flood-affected property, which has been disposed of at no cost to individuals. This fund has been vital in helping restore flood-impacted people’s lives and also reinstating public places. Now we just have this one more push to restore our township.

“Because we need to collate the collection, we are asking everyone who has silt, debris, and flood-impacted materials and cars for collection to please lodge a CSR (Customer Service Request) to arrange collection. This can be done by phoning the Council on 06 838 7309 and asking for the Recovery Team, going online at www.wairoadc.govt.nz/ contact-us/customer-service-request/ or calling into the Council offices.”

3 March 2025

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