February 01, 2023
Prayers and precautions as storm builds in Taitokerau
Te Tai Tokerau MP Kelvin Davis is warning constituents in the north to keep their eyes and ears open for updates on predicted storms.
He says while Northland didn’t get hit as hard over the weekend as other areas, more is coming.
“This afternoon we’re expecting that big, heavy hit so we’ve just got to brace ourselves and follow the official information. The last couple of days we’ve been getting reports from the three mayors across Taitokerau as well as the Northland Regional Council, making sure we’re all aware of the situation,” Mr Davis says.
Meanwhile, Whangarei-based National list MP Shane Reti is telling Northlanders there’s nothing they can do but get down on their bended knees and see if they can petition a higher power.
The area was hit today with high winds and driving rain.
“People have got their spirits up, as best they can. They’re taking precautions, they following advice. There’s nothing you and I can do about this weather event other than hit our bended knees and see if we can petition a higher call, but people are getting on with it,” he says.
Dr Reti says the storm has again raised questions about Northland’s road resilience, with State Highway 1 at the Brynderwyn Hills closed and motorists having to detour around Mangawhai and Waipū.