Maureen Pugh, West Coast-Tasman MP
After the recent Tasman region flooding, the start of the long road to recovery has been a wonderful display of communities getting together and helping others under trying conditions. But that can’t mask the tragedy and very long-term effects of some of the highest water levels in the region in almost 150 years.
Visiting Motueka Valley, Motueka, Tapawera, Eighty-Eight Valley, Motupiko, and Wai-iti River as well as spending time at the Emergency Operations Centre at Richmond, has given me, at close range, the measure of the heartbreak from the destructive weather’s path. The mind-boggling task of cleaning-up will take months, if not years. Through all of this the strength of communities has really stood out for those in need. Community volunteer groups have banded together quickly to support those in need.
At the risk of missing mentioning some of these groups I give a huge ‘shout out’ to local businesses Taskforce Green, The Student Volunteer Army, Taskforce Kiwi and Rural Support Trust for mobilising quickly to help. Along with groups helping there have been dozens of individuals who have gone out of their way to make food for workers and displaced people and also make accommodation available for those who have lost their homes or needed a safe refuge. Local businesses have been wonderful with sponsored food and supplies being made available without fuss or fanfare.
On Wednesday 16 July I was with Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay when he announced an additional $500,000 funding to meet immediate recovery needs with a focus on supporting the rural sector. The financial support is made available in collaboration with The Tasman Mayoral Relief Fund, Federated Farmers, Horticulture New Zealand and the Top of the South Rural Support Trust.
I must also mention continuing work with New Zealand Winegrowers to support affected vineyards and that includes potential use of Enhanced Taskforce Green. All this against a backdrop of an impressive Civil Defence system. Huge praise as well to the telco, roading and lines companies whose staff were out in all weathers, in the dark on more than one occasion, to restore power and communication – and to the roading crews who continue to work hard to keep the roading network open and clear even when the land continued to move dangerously.
It is a timely reminder to check that your RAPID numbers or street numbers are installed and clearly visible so that emergency responders can identify your property when help is needed. As the focus has shifted from emergency response to recovery, assessment of damage is still on-going, and the quantum of repairs is still being assessed.
As you work daily on the road to recovery, our thoughts are with everyone affected. 0800 MAUREEN
