A Northland disaster recovery model, where services come out to storm-impacted residents, is believed to be the first of its kind in the country.
The Ōakura and wider Whangaruru area, northeast of Whangārei, was badly impacted by flooding and slips on both January 18 and 21. The area remains severed thanks to a giant slip at Helena Bay hill, which has closed the main access route.
The disaster recovery programme kicked off with a community hui at Mōkau Marae on Wednesday evening, attended by about 100 people.
It continues with recovery drop-in hubs at local marae and community centres from Thursday to Saturday, with more events possible if there is further need.
Wednesday’s hui included strong representation from organisations including Whangārei District Council, Northland Civil Defence Emergency Management, the Ministry of Social Development, the Ministry of Education, Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora and health providers the Red Cross, the Insurance Council of New Zealand and Taskforce Kiwi.
While each organisation talked about what services they could offer residents, they also spent time listening to the stories of storm-battered local people and answering their questions.
Whangārei Mayor Ken Couper said the hui had brought everyone together.
“We’re here today because we need to listen,” he said, addressing locals.
“It’s been a significant event – the damage, the destruction, the impact on daily lives. We want to acknowledge that but also the resilience that you have shown.”
Couper said central government support included funding for an Emergency Recovery Fund. Applications will open on Monday, with application forms available at the recovery hubs.
He said while the initial storms have passed, recovery would take many months.
“Some of the initial energy has gone and we are going to have to show true grit to get back to recovery,” he said.
“At the same time, the rest of the community is going to be getting on like life is normal. I don’t want you to feel like you’re forgotten but also we have to get on with the work of council.”
Ministry of Social Development Northland regional commissioner Rena Hona said there were Civil Defence payments available for those in need.
She acknowledged some residents did not get a very good service when they earlier called the ministry’s 0800 number. They could now ask to be put through to Northland staff, or meet with them at the recovery hubs.
Far North residents, who had also been impacted by flooding and road damage, would also be supported, Hona said.
Ministry of Education Northland director Hira Gage said she wanted to make sure students based in the area unable to get to Whangārei still had access to education.
She was working with Whangaruru School to set up a hub for secondary students, so they could access support and teacher aides.
“It’s really important for our secondary students to start this term – with NCEA, we want them to get a good start,” Gage said.
Health services, particularly mental health support, were a key focus of the hui.
Red Cross offered psychosocial first aid for those suffering emotional trauma from the disaster, while Mahitahi Hauora also had health improvement practitioners available if people needed support for mental distress.
Volunteer doctors from Whangārei’s emergency department were working with Ki a Ora Ngātiwai to bring health services out to the area.
Daniel Wallwork from Taskforce Kiwi talked about how his volunteer organisation could offer hands-on support for those in need, with the likes of clearing debris and blocked drains.
“All these other guys do flash stuff – we do shovels and spades,” he said. “If you need basic manpower, that’s us.”
Ngātiwai chairman Aperahama Edwards concluded the evening by saying how grateful he was for the services coming out to help relieve some of the anxiety felt by locals.
“I’m mindful of the immense impact that this had had on your lives lives and our message is that you’re not alone and we’re with you until this is resolved,” he said.
“I hope that you can see the tsunami of support that has come. It’s important that nobody has been left invisible in this.”
The Emergency Recovery Fund is opening on Monday with an initial $130,000 available for communities in Whangārei’s Hikurangi-Coastal Ward, plus Ngaiotonga, Te Rāwhiti and Whangamumu areas of the Far North District.
This is to help cover the costs of initial recovery efforts from the storms.
On Monday, the fund will also open for donations, with more details available online at wdc.govt.nz from Monday.
Denise Piper is a news reporter for the Northern Advocate, focusing on health and business. She has more than 20 years in journalism and is passionate about covering stories that make a difference.