Recovery efforts are underway in Ōhura after severe flooding swept through the township and surrounding areas over the weekend, leaving significant damage and disruption.
Ruapehu District Council Civil Defence teams, alongside partner agencies, have shifted focus to welfare checks and assessing the needs of affected residents and farmers.
Mayor Weston Kirton says the scale of the flooding is substantial, following an aerial visit to the region with central government representatives, emergency management officials, and local iwi Ngāti Hauā. The visit provided a clear view of the widespread impact across homes, farmland and infrastructure.
Support crews are now on the ground working directly with the community, identifying urgent needs and ensuring help reaches those most affected. Residents are being encouraged to come forward if they require assistance, including access to food, clothing, shelter or other essentials.
Officials are stressing that the information gathered is purely to support recovery efforts, not for enforcement or compliance purposes, as agencies work to build trust and ensure no one is left behind.
A community hui has been organised to help guide the next phase of recovery. Locals are invited to gather at Ōhura Hall, where a barbecue will be held followed by a meeting to outline the recovery plan and provide an opportunity for residents to ask questions and share concerns.
Authorities say the focus now is on supporting the community through the immediate aftermath and working together on the path forward.
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