Alex Cookson from the Rotorua Lakes Council checks up on flood victim Glenn Armstrong. Photo/Stephen Parker
Alex Cookson from the Rotorua Lakes Council checks up on flood victim Glenn Armstrong. Photo/Stephen Parker
Glenn Armstrong admits he has never been "pro-council".
But his experience with Rotorua Lakes Council after Sunday's deluge of rain has caused a change of heart.
Armstrong spent the better part of Sunday tiling the floor of the Rotorua property he bought last year.
"I'd tiled and vacuumed and had just sat down to have a phone conversation with my wife when I looked out the front door and couldn't see the driveway anymore.
"I recall thinking that was quite odd before realising a wall of water was heading toward the house. I told my wife I thought we were going to flood and, within five minutes, water rushed in through the front door.
Armstrong said 170mm deep of water ended up inside – only days before renovations were complete and the home was to be put up for rent.
"I really didn't have anywhere to go and the house was unliveable so I headed to the Civil Defence headquarters where I was asked if I had a place to stay. Once I said I didn't and was trying to figure out what to do, I was told not to worry and was put up at a local motel.
Image 1 of 61: Flooding in Rotorua. Cormac Davis, 12, . Moncur Dr. Photo/Ben Fraser
"They [council] have checked up on me since. I have to admit they've certainly looked after me since Sunday."
In the meantime, an account has been set up by the council for anyone who would like to make donations to flood victims.
The council said in a statement it had been fielding offers of donations from generous community members who wanted to help those dealing with the aftermath of Sunday's floods.
The administration of the fund was being worked through with the office of Civil Defence Minister Kris Faafoi who was in Rotorua on Monday to see the flood damage.
Rotorua mayor Steve Chadwick discussed a Mayoral Fund with Faafoi during his visit and he agreed it was a good idea and took a letter of request back to Parliament.
"There is so much goodwill in our community right now and we want to ensure that those who want to help with donations have somewhere to do so," Chadwick said.
"The picture of how Sunday's events impacted our district is constantly changing and having a fund supported by council and the Government that can help those in need will ease a lot of anxious minds.
"The recovery period is going to be a long process and ensuring our community is well supported is our top priority."
Rotorua flood relief fund.
The fund would be used to address the needs of individuals, families, community organisations and/or marae and their associated facilities and infrastructure.
Work to establish the terms of reference and criteria for applications to receive the fund was under way.
Donations can be made to the bank account or in person at the front desk at the Rotorua Lakes Council on Haupapa St.
Meanwhile, the council's Civil Defence welfare team is continuing to speak with affected residents to assess their needs. A welfare office was set up at 7 Oakland Place where residents can go for help.
The council said in a statement it was not aware of any goods that were required but it encouraged people to call the council's customer centre on (07) 348 4199 if they needed help.
Details for donations: • Account number: 02-0412-0234516-006 • Or donate in person at the council on Haupapa St
