A massive thank-you to all those who looked after one another and ensured no loss of life in the ferocious February storm. In some areas, 500 mm of rain fell in 24 hours, powered by massive gales.
The word “resilience” is overused, but this what many residents displayed as their homes, farms, businesses, roads and bridges were trashed.
It was all hands on deck. Emergency workers, Rural Support Trust, Maori Wardens, chopper pilots, Red Cross, council staff, contractors and many good neighbours all rallied when needed.
After dealing with urgent immediate issues such as safety, food and shelter, the council is now working on repair and restoration so people can return to some semblance of normal living.
We didn’t declare a state of emergency during the storm. The weather forecast was an “orange warning” not the “red warning” which usually triggers a declaration. But weather in some areas was very definitely red.
We didn’t declare a state of emergency during the storm. The weather forecast was an “orange warning” not the “red warning” which usually triggers a declaration. But weather in some areas was very definitely red.
So I did talk to the Minister for Emergency Management and was able to declare a “response transition period” which is next best thing to an emergency. It gives us many powers but not, for example, the ability to requisition. Fortunately, we didn’t need that because locals willingly helped.
“Transition” provides options such as the ability to negotiate a range of government funding for putting things right. This is not just essential lifelines such as bridges and roads but also a variety of outreaches we want in our small remote communities (sometimes just a few families) to help them back to normality, as well as assistance for individuals who have been severely impacted.
The number that central government officials and politicians need to understand when considering a request from South Wairarapa’s small population is that a $350,000 spend (which could go in the blink of an eye) means a one percent rates increase. A big city might just manage much of the infrastructure and social remediation required, but we can’t.
We will keep in touch via our Facebook page and website and media like the Martinborough Star, so keep an eye out for news.
Also, please take an active part in the future discussion on preparedness. Our Community Boards will be leading much of that in your area. This is not the time to argue about what is causing climate change. It’s here and we need to learn to manage it better.
