Kia ora koutou
Welcome to issue #7 of Recovery Roundup. Check out the latest from The Community Hub and other Flood Recovery related news.
High Tea, Music & Massage
Women of Westport. If you are looking for a break from your daily routine and need some food for your mind, body and soul, you won’t want to miss this event.
Westport Flood Recovery warmly invites the women of Westport to a FREE afternoon event of High Tea, Music and Massage. Saturday 27th November 11am-3pm. This event is co-hosted by The Wild Lotus and AJ Hickling, Piano Busker of Evolving Rhythms. Bookings are essential for catering purposes and to secure your spot for a relaxing massage or participate in any of the 30 minute workshops including; yoga, meditation, breathwork and even an art workshop.
Please note: Numbers are limited, to ensure that Covid restrictions are adhered to.
Registrations essential – use this link to book your preferred time slot(s).
The Community Hub
Our Community Navigators are now in the hapori (community), engaging with flood affected residents who need support. Community Navigators have completed extensive training led by Lorraine Scanlon, this includes specialist advice from the different agencies that can support our community. If you are someone who is flood affected and need support or have any questions please hop down to The Hub for a Navigator referral.
Residential Advisory Service (RAS)
Dealing with insurers can be time consuming and confusing. RAS offers independent advisers who can help you understand your insurance policy and what you are entitled to. RAS can also advocate for you if you have valid concerns with what your insurance company is offering.
There are a number of interesting case studies on the RAS website which highlight how they can assist when the unforeseen happens:
“We were amazed at what RAS achieved in just a couple of weeks compared with us over 10 months. Discussions with our insurer resumed, we feel we have direction and are moving forward.” said Jane. Read more here
The team from RAS will be at The Community Hub on a fortnightly basis.
Sharing the pūrākau (stories) from Kawatiri
Buller REAP has been given the opportunity to organize a mural project that reflects pūrākau (stories) from Kawatiri. From the community, for the community. Te Puni Kokiri and Mr G Hoete have collaborated to deliver six murals around the motu (island) and Buller has been chosen as one of these locations.
Who is Mr G? Graham ‘Mr G’ Hoete is a street artist from the Bay of Plenty who specialises in photorealism with spray paint. Hoete’s career highlight was probably the street portrait of Prince he did after the singer died in 2016. Check out his recent work at Mr G Hoete – Artist | Street Art | Murals | Contemporary Art (mrghoeteart.com)
The kaupapa (idea) of this project is for community wide participation and an active effort to learn about the māori history of the place we all call home. It’s important to have mana whenua (people of the land), māori, tauiwi (non māori allies) and ESPECIALLY rangatahi (young people) be a part of this.This project begins on the 23rd of November – during this time there will be a hui (meeting) with kaumatua (elders), mana whenua and significant Māori ropu. If you’re interested in participating in ANY part of this project, please get in touch with the Buller REAP cultural activator Veronica. culturalactivator@bullerreap.co.nz Interest must be confirmed by 19th of November… so get in quick!
Stafford Street Kainga Ora Temporary Houses
This week a crane was onsite at Stafford Street to rotate the houses and relocate onto piles set back further from the fence line.
With the ataahua (beautiful) weather we’ve had over the last week, timber piles have been cemented in and drain laying mahi (work) is underway. When the houses were turned around they were also placed on their piles. One progressive step closer to supporting our hapori (community).
Need help? Ph 0800 768 348
All are welcome at the Community Hub.
Whether you have been impacted directly, or are simply keen 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 and is no longer open Saturdays. If you require assistance outside of week day opening hours, please phone during business hours to arrange a time to meet.
Noho ora mai
