Kia ora koutou,

Buller Recovery bring to you issue #31 of Recovery Roundup. Summary of key points of interest this week as follows:

The science of flooding in Buller: More information pertaining to the Buller Recovery Information Session held in Westport on the 17th May 22′ has been added to our website, including:

  • FAQ’s relative to information covered in the session
  • Slide show presentation from the event
  • Livestream video recording of the event

This event was presented by river modelling expert Matt Gardner, covering current and historical information about flooding in the Buller region. Learn more and view presentation from the event.

Community Hub support: Almost two-thousand people have walked through the doors at Westport’s Community Hub since it opened in August last year. Since the February flooding events to April 22′, Our Community Navigators have helped 118 people with support and advice. Read more…

Rural Mayoral Relief Fund: Applications open, $140,0000 available for distribution to Primary Industry Businesses impacted by the February storm event. Learn more…

More funding for Buller Recovery: This week cabinet approved $294,000 as well as allowing Buller District Council to use underspend funds from an $8 million government funding package provided following the July 2021 floods to cover infrastructure and waste removal costs. Read more… 

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 – UPDATE

Informational material from the Buller Recovery Information Session event held at NBS theatre on 17th May 22′ has been added to our website. 

View the livestream video recording and frequently asked questions and answers pertaining to the event here.

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.

community hub update

Almost two-thousand people have walked through the doors at Westport’s Community Hub since it opened in August last year. The Westport Flood Recovery Community Hub on Palmerston Street was set up to provide the community with a place to go for information and support (or to simply sit down for a cup of tea and a chat) after the July floods, and the subsequent February 2022 event.

Read more about how the Community Hub and its team of Community Navigators have provided support for flood affected residents of Westport.

APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR rural MAYORal relief

The Buller and Tasman Rural Mayoral Relief Fund for primary industry businesses is open for applications.

The Mayoral Rural Relief Fund has been established to assist farmers in the Buller and lower Tasman areas in their recovery following the February 2022 flooding event.

It is a joint fund across Tasman District Council and Buller District Council, administered by Buller District Council.

The fund has $140,000.00 available to distribute to Primary Industry Businesses impacted by the February storm event.

If your farm suffered financial loss due to the February storm event you are invited and encouraged to apply before Friday 17th June. 

Learn more and apply…

Forms can also be collected at the Westport Flood Recovery Community Hub.