Govt Allocates Additional $500,000 to Wairoa Mayoral Relief Fund for Flood Recovery

“I returned to Wairoa today to better understand the impacts and recovery operations, and to meet with affected community members and those providing support,” said Mr. Mitchell.

The Government has announced an additional $500,000 for the Wairoa Mayoral Relief Fund to aid the community's recovery following last week’s flooding, Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell revealed during his visit to the district today.

“I returned to Wairoa today to better understand the impacts and recovery operations, and to meet with affected community members and those providing support,” said Mr. Mitchell.

“Last week’s flooding has been particularly challenging for Wairoa, following other severe weather events in recent years. The District Council has indicated a need for financial support to clean up damaged properties.”

The new contribution to the Mayoral Relief Fund aims to address the community’s immediate needs, including property clean-ups, replacing clothes and bedding, and renting or purchasing drying and dehumidifying equipment.

“I want to acknowledge the efforts and dedication of volunteers, civil defense and council members, emergency services, iwi, contractors, and everyone supporting the Wairoa community. Thank you for your work – it has been heartening to see how strong our communities are when we stand together,” added Mr. Mitchell.

Environment Minister Penny Simmonds announced that a qualified independent reviewer will lead an urgent and targeted review of the flood response.

“Significant concerns have been raised by the Wairoa community about the management of the Wairoa River bar by the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council and its impact on property flooding in the district,” Ms. Simmonds stated.

“This review will assess whether there was adequate monitoring of the Wairoa River bar, whether correct decisions were made in a timely manner, and if there were any additional actions that could have been taken.”

The review aims to identify improvements to better manage future events and protect communities. It is expected to take around four weeks, with findings and recommendations to be presented to the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council and Wairoa District Council in August.