This was extended for Whangārei District Council (WDC)’s Hikurangi-Coastal ward only, on January 27.
Around 1500 people along the Whangaruru coast have been in the emergency response area for about two weeks.
Whangārei Mayor Ken Couper said while roading and welfare challenges remained, the situation could now be managed effectively without needing a state of emergency.
“We have made a commitment to our affected communities, and that does not end with the lifting of the state of emergency.
“We are focused on ensuring a smooth transition to recovery and that people with ongoing needs are connected with the right support and agencies,” Couper said.
Some of the emergency powers transferred into the recovery phase – for the next 28 days – include Whangārei civil defence co-ordination of welfare services, roading access and recovery activity.
Roading access remained a key focus while the Helena Bay hill slip that had blocked access to the area was cleared over coming weeks.
Residents along the area’s southern access Kaiikanui Rd detour route were impacted by the alternate access option where managed traffic convoys were now operating.
Two pilot vehicles were leading convoys through hazardous single‑lane slip areas on Kaiikanui Rd to improve efficiency and safety.
Additional signage had been installed on SH1, with visitor holiday traffic directed to access the area from the north via the Ōpua–Russell vehicle ferry.
“We will continue refining traffic management to ensure safe access while minimising disruption to local residents as much as possible,” Couper said.
He acknowledged the significant efforts of local marae, community groups, volunteers, emergency services and support agencies.
“The response we’ve seen across our district has been exceptional.”
WDC civil defence local recovery manager Tony Phipps said the use of recovery hubs during an emergency response in Whangaruru had been the first such operation in New Zealand and provided a strong starting point for recovery.
Recovery hubs are on-site, community-based, one-stop shops with helping agencies at hand.
“Bringing key support agencies directly to affected communities has helped us identify welfare needs early and connect people with services they may need in the weeks and months ahead.”
These provided whānau with information, welfare and recovery services, and the opportunity to connect face‑to‑face with support agencies,” Phipps said.
Around 450 people attended the half-dozen hubs over three days.
Phipps said many had valued the ability to engage in person rather than by phone.
Additional recovery hubs were being considered.
“People shouldn’t feel they have to soldier on alone. Talking with whānau, friends, colleagues or support agencies can make a real difference – we don’t want anyone feeling isolated,” Phipps said.
He said financial and accommodation support was available.
WDC’s emergency recovery fund was open to those affected by the severe weather in the council’s Hikurangi–Coastal ward and in Ngaiotonga, Te Rawhiti and Whangamumu, which were in Far North District Council’s rohe.
He said the fund supported individuals, families, community groups, marae and small businesses.
Civil Defence emergency payments could be made available through the Ministry of Social Development. This would be for essential costs such as food, clothing, bedding, accommodation and loss of income.
Temporary accommodation help was available through the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) for people displaced by natural disasters.
Insurance claims support assistance was available through the New Zealand claims resolution service.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
