Slips across the region
Waitomo mayor John Robertson has been on board with recovery efforts following recent storms.
Mōkau and Awakino were among the first to receive ute-loads of supplies as Waitomo’s civil defence team joined forces with police, Fire and Emergency NZ and the Ministry of Social Development to assist people worst affected by significant storms which have hit the region over the last two weeks.
Donna Potroz, Maryann Symonds and John Robertson prepare to deliver supplies
“This was another massive weather event, inflicting damage that could very well be of a similar scale to Cyclone Gabrielle in January 2023,” Robertson said. “As your mayor, I drop my ‘normal’ activities and become immersed in civil defence matters.”
Businesses including The Warehouse, New World and Mitre10 Te Kūiti as well as Piopio’s Fat Pigeon Café, rallied to donate essential supplies backed by $500 from the council’s mayoral fund.
New bedding, linen, towels, pyjamas, clothing, toys, toiletries and food were distributed.
Robertson aknowldged the work of Mōkau police constable Donna Potroz and fire chief and Mōkau School principal Maryann Symonds.
“Their leadership and care shown for their community has been extraordinary.”
Road crews were instrumental in ensuring supplies could reach those in need, Robertson said.
He said the Downer crew returned to Mōkau immediately after reopening SH3 and Inframax had worked to open as many local roads as possible.”
However, recovery requires much more than regaining access to communities cut off due to slips and flooding, council’s civil defence controller, Alex Bell, said.
“Now that we have been able to access our more rural communities, our team has kicked into gear and joined with other agencies to provide the help they need where we can.
“The recovery process is about more than just rebuilding infrastructure. It’s about supporting people to rebuild their lives and restore their emotional, social, economic and physical wellbeing.”
Even though roads are now open, unstable land can lead to further slips and flood waters can still cause harm after they recede. Any food or drink that has been in contact with flood water should be thrown out and further caution is required, he said.
“All flood water is potentially contaminated from such things as septic tanks, animal faecal matter, farm chemicals and road run-off. We ask people to take care and practice good hygiene when cleaning up.”
Exasperating the problem, further heavy wind and rain prompted The NZ Transport Agency to close he Forgotten High – State highway 43 – between Taumarunui and Stratford on Monday, potentially impacting on motorists’ public holiday plans.
Waka Kotahi reported crews were on site clearing fallen trees from the highway
Slips across the region, including this one at Kopaki, between highways 4 and 30, hampered early attempts to get to communities worst affected by flooding earlier this month
