Kia ora koutou,
Welcome to issue #30 of Recovery Roundup. In this weeks news:
The science of flooding in Buller: This week an information session took place at the NBS theatre where river modelling expert Matt Gardner, presented some fascinating current and historical information about flooding in the Buller region.
Thanks for thinking of us: Demonstrations of kindness and generosity continue for flood affected residents of Westport. This time residents of Wood Retirement Village in Nelson donated $500 to go towards support for the elderly of Westport who were affected by the February flooding.
Community Kitchen needs volunteers: Kitchen hands and delivery drivers needed to help out voluntarily of Tuesdays between 5.30pm – 7.00pm. Contact: Potikohua Charitable Trust | #37 House: 03 789 600 | 0272790277
Steering Group FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers of the Buller Recovery Steering Group are now available on this website, see the Steering Group page.
Water restrictions: In place for Westport and Carters Beach until further notice. Members of our community are respectfully requested to conserve water at this time.
Nationwide test of Emergency Mobile Alert: Sunday 22nd May, between 6:00pm – 7:00pm.
See below for more information on news and updates this week.
Ngā mihi, have a great weekend.
Did you miss last weeks update? Catch up on all the news here.
The Science of flooding in Buller
We were pleased to see there was a good turn out on Tuesday evening for the information session we hosted on the science behind the Buller floods, with a particular focus on the impacts on Westport.
The event was also livestreamed and is available to be viewed on the Buller Flood recovery Facebook page.
River modelling expert Matt Gardner, Land River Sea Consulting Ltd, presented some fascinating current and historical information about flooding in this region. His photos, models and graphics provided a thorough (and not too scientifically mind-boggling) explanation for why it does flood here and the conditions that contribute to that.
Pictured: River modelling expert Matt Gardner, Land River Sea Consulting Ltd.
A word of thanks to the residents of the Wood Retirement Village in Nelson who have donated $500 to help support elderly Westport residents who’ve been affected by the floods.
The funds have come to us via Catherine Bruce of Westport whose daughter manages the Nelson village.
We know there are some of our older people out there who could maybe use some help cleaning up their gardens and yards, or just need to be taken out for a nice cup of tea.
We’re working on the best way to share some acts of kindness thanks to this donation. If you know of anyone impacted by the floods and in need call into the Community Hub and let us know.
Nationwide test of emergency mobile alert this weekend
An nationwide Emergency Mobile Alert test is scheduled to take place this coming Sunday evening, 22nd May, between 6:00 – 7:00pm. This test is neccessary to ensuring that the system works well.
The purpose of Emergency Mobile Alert is to communicate information about emergencies in your area. If your life, health or property is in danger, Emergency Mobile Alerts can be sent to your mobile by authorised emergency agencies, without needing to sign up or download an app.
Find out more about the Emergency Mobile Alert system.
Water restrictions in place for Westport and Carters Beach
Consumers on the Westport/Carters Beach water supply are requested to conserve water. Due to the sustained loss of water quality at Council’s water supply intake in Giles Creek, water has been unable to be conveyed to the reservoir, leading to a decrease in raw water storage levels.
To enable the raw water reservoirs to recover, consumers are advised to use water for essential purposes only to ensure sufficient pressure is available for all areas of Westport and Carters Beach.
This means using water for drinking, food preparation, hygiene and sanitary purposes only and limiting all extraordinary water usage, including garden irrigation, car washing, water blasting and other high water usage activities.
These water restrictions will stay in place until further notice.
For tips on water conservation go to https://bullerdc.govt.nz/water/
Council appreciates your co-operation during this time.
How do I feel?
How do you feel? Well, the children of Westport have a new tool to help them recognise and label their emotions and feelings. The “How Do I Feel?” picture book was recently distributed to flood-affected children in local schools and early childhood education facilities. The book initiative was funded by the Mayoral Relief Fund, with the help of a generous 50% price reduction from Wilding Books.
More information on the book can be found here: https://www.wildlingbooks.com/products/how-do-i-feel-a-dictionary-of-emotions-for-children
We can get through this
The past few months haven’t been easy for people in Buller so it’s important to remember that help is out there. There are all sorts of ways to look after ourselves and each other through the hard times and the good times.
For support, tips, and advice on looking after yourself and your mental health, check out: https://mentalhealth.org.nz/help/support-for-myself
NEED HELP? PH 0800 768 348
All are welcome at The Community Hub. Whether you have been impacted directly, or are interested to learn more about the recovery effort, pop down to the community hub for a cuppa and a chin wag.
The Community Hub is open Monday to Friday from 9.30am-4.00pm. Phone 0800 768 348 for assistance outside normal opening hours.
On behalf of the Flood Recovery Team, we wish you a safe and sunny weekend.
Noho ora mai