Welcome to issue #32 of Recovery Roundup. In this weeks news:
Operation Outreach: Homeowners whose properties were red or yellow stickered following the July 2021 and/or February floods will receive a questionnaire by post next week, which may be followed up by phone calls by the Navigators based at the Community Hub.
Science of flooding in Buller: A recording of NIWA Hydrodynamics Scientist Richard Measures presenting facts and information and sharing his expert knowledge on the science of flooding in Buller is soon to be available via BDC YouTube channel.
Rural Mayoral Relief Fund: Two weekS remain for local farmers who were affected by the floods to apply for financial support. Application close 17th June.
Sir John Kirwan returns: Presenting in Karamea and Reefton on the 13th July.
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.
operation outreach launched
The first round of Operation Outreach was undertaken last year by Community Hub navigators (pictured in yellow hi-viz vests) and members of Red Cross. Also pictured is Flood Recovery Manager Social and Welfare, Shayne Barry (bottom right).
A progress check on red and yellow stickered home owners is about to get underway. The aim of Operation Outreach is to gauge the extent of the rebuild/repair process, possible future housing needs and any ongoing, flood-related welfare needs.
Homeowners whose properties were red or yellow stickered following the July 2021 and/or February floods will receive a questionnaire by post next week, which may be followed up by phone calls by the Navigators based at the Community Hub.
Questions cover the status of repair on the property, what, if any obstacles to repair, whether property owners understand the process of getting the stickers removed from their property records, as well as any ongoing temporary accommodation and wellbeing needs. Flood Recovery Manager Social and Welfare Recovery Shayne Barry is urging people to come forward if they have any concerns.
“If you have any queries about the ‘Flood Status’ (red or yellow sticker) of your property please get in touch. Alternatively, some people might think their properties were stickered but don’t hear from us. That could be for a range of reasons including people moving into temporary accommodation. Again, please get in touch so that we can improve our records and provide support wherever it might be needed.”
You can email Ms Barry at: shayne.recovery@bdc.govt.nz
Respondents are being asked to complete the questionnaire by 24 June 2022. The initiative is being undertaken by the Flood Recovery team in conjunction with Buller District Council.
Buller Recovery Information Session: The Science of flooding in Buller – UPDATE
The first of a planned series of information sessions took place last month, 17th May at NBS Theatre in Westport. NIWA Hydrodynamics Scientist Richard Measures was planned to deliver the presentation, although unfortunately due to illness he was not able to do so and Matt Gardiner delivered the presentation on Richard’s behalf.
As some people were disappointed by Richard’s absence from the event, and because the expert knowledge he has to share with our community is important, an alternative video recording has been made this week and will be soon be available.
Once the video recording of Richard presenting information on the science of flooding in Buller has been finalised, it will be available to view on the Buller District Council YouTube channel. Follow our Facebook page for announcement of when the video will be available.
See this page on our website for all information pertaining to the event.
mayoral relief fund for primary industry businesses
Two weeks remain for local farmers who were affected by the floods to apply for financial support.
A Rural Mayoral Relief Fund has been established to assist farmers in the Buller and Lower Tasman areas in their recovery following the February 2022 flooding event.
The fund has $140,000 available to distribute to Primary Industry Businesses impacted by the storm event. If your farm suffered financial loss due to the February storm event you are invited and encouraged to apply to this fund before Friday 17 June 2022.
Application forms are being distributed by Westland Milk Products and the Tasman and Buller Rural Support Trusts. If you think you may be eligible, but haven’t been contacted, you can find out how to apply on our website, here.
We are fortunate enough to have Sir John Kirwan back in the Buller Region to deliver presentations in Karamea and Reefton next month. Sir John Kirwan presented in Westport in March this year, sharing words of wisdom and coping strategies for getting through tough times, and helping to lift us up when we’re feeling low.
Sir John Kirwan will be in Karamea and Reefton on the 13th of July for this free event. Light snacks and refreshments provided. Secure your seat by pre-registering for this event via links below.
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