Flood damage taking toll on mental health on the Coast

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Members of the community playing key Civil Defence roles in areas north of Gisborne say although the Coast is holding up in the face of severe weather, people should stay ready.

MetService’s red rain warning remains in place until midday Sunday, with 200 to 250mm of rain expected north of Tolaga Bay, and 100 to 150mm expected about the ranges further south.

Based out of Ruatoria, Radio Ngāti Porou plays a key role in updating the community in times of extreme weather.

Paora Brooking — a station manager — said the rain had eased on Friday ahead of predictions it would pick up again from 6pm.

The station was pushing out the same messaging as always: be prepared for power and internet outages, and have at least three days of supplies on hand.

Brooking said he was feeling for people who were already doing it tough on the Coast.

“There are families on unemployment benefits up here, and I feel for those in times like this, because there’ll be families who can’t afford to go and get three days of supplies, and be prepared.

“There’s always some among our communities who suffer, so that’s where the worry is at the moment.”

Brooking said those in townships up the Coast tended to fare better than people living more remotely, who had an increased risk of becoming isolated through roads or bridges washing away.

“The big concern is what this is doing to the mental health of our people.”

Further south in Tokomaru Bay, Civil Defence coordinator Lilllian Te Hau-Ward was pushing out a similar message to her community: be prepared.

“We’ve pushed out messages to those in the township, make sure you’ve got three days worth of food to survive.”

People in low-lying Te Wehi Rd had been encouraged to relocate before sun down, and Tuatini Marae was open to anybody who needed to take sanctuary.

Pouturu Bridge between Huiarua and Puketoro Stations had been compromised, putting eight properties at a high risk of becoming isolated.

Te Hau-Ward was urging people to be prepared by charging devices in advance and ensuring alternative cooking and lighting methods were available.

Filling a bathtub with water for personal hygiene and toilet-flushing purposes was also advisable.

Her latest challenge was to get a technician to repair the local fuel pump, so that generators could be run in the event of electricity going out.

Tairāwhiti has been in a State of Emergency since Thursday, and will remain so for seven days.