Wairoa locals had been doubly affected by flooding as well as the deaths of three boaties and its effects would linger, Napier MP Katie Nimon said.
Nearly 200 homes were damaged by flooding after heavy rains and three fishermen died at sea during this week’s storm.
Nimon said locals were working hard to help each other even while many have damage in their own homes to address.
“It’s been awesome to see the community band together and help each other out.”
She would discuss with the Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey, what resources were available to support people’s wellbeing, she said.
Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery Mark Mitchell has already announced the government would contribute $300,000 to the Mayoral Relief Funds to help communities in Hastings, Wairoa and Tai Rāwhiti.
He would be going to appeal to Cabinet next week for extra funding to support the town’s clean up and recovery.
Nimon said the government was working with insurers and local council to understand the best way to assist people.
“It’s really important for us to see what’s going to be covered by insurance, what’s not.
“Ministers are working really hard to take a paper to Cabinet to get what we can to get the clean-up started, so council knows what can be done without having to worry about where it falls,” she said.
Meanwhile, roading contractors and damage assessors are working through Matariki weekend after severe flooding in Hawke’s Bay and Tai Rāwhiti.
A state of emergency was in place for the settlement of Haumoana from Tuesday to Thursday, as high seas pounded the coastline and dozens of people were evacuated.
Hastings Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst said there had been damage in the area which remained vulnerable after Cyclone Gabrielle 18 months ago.
“We have a lot of slips so everyone’s working really hard, some of the work will be programmed for later on but looking after the immediate over the weekend.”
On the region’s roads, Thursday’s slip that partially blocked one lane of State Highway two between Gisborne and Napier has been cleared, and the road is open.
rnz.co.nz
