Welcome to Recovery Roundup #45
We’ve got updates on frequently asked questions about Alma Road village, as well as things that have been happening or are coming up in the community. It’s also the final days for our ‘Tell us how you are going’ wellbeing survey (last day Sunday) – if you haven’t completed it already, you will find the link on our home page.
Alma Road update (21 October 2022)
Members of the Flood Recovery team and Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s (MBIE)’s TAS staff visited the new Alma houses last week. These two- and three-bedroom homes come complete with all the features you would expect from a new build as well as dishwashers, washing machines dryers and microwaves.
These homes are on track for completion and move in by Friday 25 November
Upcoming TAS appointments in Westport
On 27 –28 October 2022, two Matching and Placement Coordinators will be working with the Navigator team at the Community Hub in Westport to meet with TAS households, discuss longer-term accommodation needs or answer questions about Alma Road. Call the Community Navigators at the Hub to book an appointment with the coordinators on 0800 768 348.
The coordinators will be available:
Thursday 27 October 9.30am-12.30pm and 2pm-4.30pm
Friday 28 October 9.30am-4pm.
Alma Road Village – Frequently Asked Questions
The Alma Road Village is being built to support residents in Westport following the flooding event in July 2021 and will enable people to remain in the community while homes are being repaired or rebuilt, or in the case of renters, they find suitable alternative rental accommodation.
The Alma Road Village is situated on a sunny, elevated site away from the main road and surrounded by native bush. The village is comprised of 18 new 2- and 3-bedroom houses that will be ready for occupation on approximately 25 November 2022.
Some commonly asked questions we are hearing in the community are:
Who can apply for an Alma Road home?
A homeowner or tenant whose primary place of accommodation was damaged in the July 2021 flooding, or flooding events that have occurred in Westport since, are eligible to register.
What is the weekly cost rent for a house in Alma Road?
The cost per week for Alma Road Village houses are $250 for a two- bedroom house and $300 for a three- bedroom house. Each household will also need to pay for their own services including power and internet.
How long can I stay in the Alma Road Village?
You will be provided with a fixed term agreement with the possibility to extend if appropriate. If you require permanent accommodation, there is an expectation that you continue to actively search while in Temporary Accommodation Service (TAS) accommodation.
Do the houses cater for people with accessibility needs?
Several of the houses have accessible features including wheelchair access.
Are pets allowed at Alma Road?
Pets are an important part of the family and TAS will accommodate most pets. The general guidance for the Alma Road village is up to one cat and dog per household. The Resource consent conditions require TAS to have a pet management plan to mitigate cats predating and to protect native birds. All cats kept at the village must have a collar with a bell to prevent them from hunting any native birds. If you have questions about pets, contact the Matching and Placement Coordinators and who can discuss this further. Pet specific terms will be included in the TAS agreement.
What are my obligations to my neighbours as a pet owner?
You must ensure your pets do not disturb the quiet enjoyment of your neighbours and you keep them secure in your property as best as possible, fences will be in place for those who have pets. Pet specific requirements will be included in your agreement with TAS.
What are the long-term plans for Alma Road?
The long-term plans for Alma Road Village will be decided by government and the Buller District Council in due course. TAS will work with the Council to update you on the long-term plans when they are confirmed.
What is the distance from the Alma Road village to town?
The Alma Road village is located a short distance from central Westport, and with a new cycle/ walkway being completed that will run from the Alma Rd to the state highway intersection. The distance from the to the New World supermarket on Palmerston Street is approximately 2.1km.
Temporary Accommodation Service support still available
MBIE’s Temporary Accommodation Service has still been receiving new registrations for support in Westport from eligible families. Eligible households can register for TAS support online at: https://www.tas.mbie.govt.nz/west-coast-flooding/
If people are unsure of their eligibility or would prefer to speak to someone about their options, they can call our Matching and Placement team by calling 0508 754 163.
Community Hub morning tea
Another successful morning tea at the Community Hub!
Around 20 people joined the Navigators at the Community Hub for a morning of social connection and interaction. It was a great chance to catch up with others and talk about their shared experiences.
“In all sincerity all the support we’ve had, and we get from the team at the Community Hub, having these little morning teas just makes me feel a real part of the community and blessed as there are folks worse off than us. I don’t like calling myself a flood victim, I call myself a flood survivor. Well done to the team at the Community Hub and to all the flood survivors.” – Billie-Jo Mayer
The Navigators aim to hold more events in the future so keep an eye out!
Image: Francie McDonald and Billie-Jo Mayer – flood survivors.
Checklist for flood affected dwellings
Submitting a ‘Checklist for Flood Affected Dwellings’ is one of the final steps in the rebuild process and will formally remove the red or yellow placard from your dwelling.
The form can be downloaded from Buller District Council’s website or here: RR 45 Checklist-for-Flood-Affected-dwellings-Version-3
Completed forms can be returned to Council offices or emailed to: bdc-dutyinspector@bdc.govt.nz
Reconnect and Re-energise tourism in the Buller District
A tourism workshop hosted by BDC, DWC (Development West Coast) and ANWC (Advanced Northern West Coast – tourism promotions group for Buller) was held last Thursday.
Around 35 people attended from a range of tourism providers, and the question was asked how do we grow tourism in the Buller District? And what is missing?
The workshop consisted of presentations from the three organisations and DOC to outline how they support tourism operators in Buller, followed by a workshop by the participants to get their views on the vision and future of Buller Tourism in a post-covid world.
The hui (meeting) was enthusiastically received by those present, who requested a follow-up meeting in two months to review the output from the workshop and prioritise the next steps.
Triple P Parenting
Want to help your child overcome fear and anxiety?
Triple P is one of the world’s most researched parenting programmes, and is now fully funded in New Zealand by the Ministry of Health via the Support for COVID-19 public health initiative
Their online Fear-less programme parents of anxious kids (6-14 years) will understand the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of child and teen anxiety and learn strategies immediately to improve your child’s emotional and wellbeing.
Find out more about Triple P parenting here .
Kawatiri Men’s Health Group
The next Kawatiri Men’s Health Group meeting is this Tuesday 01st November 2022 at 6pm at Number 37 Community House, Peel Street, Westport.
This peer-led facilitated group aims to support men to live better, safer and healthier lives for themselves, their families, and their community.
For more information or to register, phone 027 3188 397 or email kawatirimenshealth@gmail.com