Unhelpful politics
Wairoa Mayor Craig Little says the succession of Recovery Ministers who have resigned or left has not made his life easy.
Emergency Management Minister Kieran McAnulty announced the support yesterday while on a visit to the area with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Transport Minister Michael Wood.
“Nearly a week has passed since the state of emergency was lifted, and despite good progress, dozens of homes are still uninhabitable or severely damaged, and a number of remote communities are without road access,” McAnulty said.
“We know that while the severe weather event itself was over in a matter of days, recovery is likely to take years.”
McAnulty says the Government’s contribution, which is in addition to $100,000 announced early last week, meets requests from local leadership and will help ensure immediate support needs can be met while the scope of the damage is assessed.
“The additional contribution brings the Government contribution to Nelson/Tasman and Marlborough’s Mayoral Relief Funds to $500,000. These contributions are in addition to targeted support from other government agencies.”
Mayoral Relief Funds are designed to help support communities after an emergency, and have previously been used for recovery activities such as cleaning septic tanks, filling water tanks, re-establishing damaged boundary fence lines and cleaning debris from properties.
McAnulty says it is too early to know the cost of the event, but the damage is clearly extensive.
“Once we have a clear picture of the damage we’ll have a better idea of the support that central government could provide to the local council.
“I want to acknowledge the local leadership of Mayor John Leggett, Marlborough District Council and iwi for their role in the response, especially just a year on from the last major flooding event.
“I also want to recognise the incredible dedication and efforts of volunteers, emergency services, civil defence and council, iwi and response personnel, contractors, and everyone who is involved in Marlborough’s recovery operation.
“Thank you for the work you’re doing – it’s a testament to how tight-knit your communities are and how strong we are when we stand together.”
