February 20, 2023
Ngāpuhi looks to build disaster resistance
Te Rūnanga-Ā-Iwi-Ō-Ngāpuhi chair Wane Wharerau says Cyclone Gabrielle has highlighted how Te Tai Tokerau’s communications networks need to be upgraded and whānau resiliency must be improved.
He says credit must be given to whānau and communities who did the best they could as the storm wreaked hundreds of millions of dollars of damage.
The rūnanga and its subsidiaries have been involved in the relief effort, including a Unimog truck to deliver care packages.
Mr Wharerau says Ngāpuhi’s aroha goes out to whānau of other regions, particularly the eastern seaboard.
The rūnanga is encouraging whānau and hapū to develop emergency plans.
He says every whānau should have a disaster emergency kit with at a minimum battery operated torches and radios, emergency food and water, and a first aid kit.