June 27, 2024
Wairoa eyes lengthy flood recovery
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Residents of Wairoa have again been hit by flooding, with 400 homes affected, at least 100 of them seriously.
Lewis Ratapu, the chief executive of post-settlement organisation Tatau Tatau o te Wairoa, says the flooding was near the mouth of the river, so it’s a different set of houses than those affected last year by Cyclone Gabrielle.
The immediate concern is finding warm, safe places for those who have been evacuated and looking after their mental health, but he’s concerned support may drop off.
Lewis Ratapu says it’s too easy to sit in Wellington and put the pen through vital health and social support services which towns like Wairoa need.