16 February 2022

The effects of Cyclone Gabrielle continue to be felt across the region with local communities, particularly our coastal and eastern communities.

There is no local state of emergency in the Wairarapa at present.

While we wait for flood waters to recede and while roading and support crews work hard to open roads and assist those in need, here is some useful information.

• If there is an immediate threat to life, call 111.
• If you need information on roads, please go to the road alerts page on our website
• If there are any welfare issues relating accommodation, food, or other needs because of the severe weather call 0800 CD WAIRARAPA (0800 239 247).
• Rural farmers can contact the Rural Support Trust through their Facebook page @ruralsupporttrustwai

If you have a new roading or water issue, please let us know: South Wairarapa District Council 06 306 9611

Remember:

• To check in on neighbours who are vulnerable if you can. Get the latest neighbourhood support news here: https://www.neighbourhoodsupport.co.nz
• If you need to leave your home, please head to local family of friends in the first instance if you can.
• Check the WREMO website for great info on staying safe before, during, and after a storm: http://wremo.nz/hazards/severe-weather/

Roading

• Please don’t drive unless it’s essential, particularly where roading crews are working.
• If you do have to drive, please use extreme care and preferably during daylight hours. Limited resources and the evolving situation mean all road hazards may not be marked in all affected areas.
• Councils are working extremely hard to re-open the roads and we ask that people be patient as we carry out this work.
• Keep an eye on your Council’s website or get updates via radio.

Civil Defence Payment

• If you and your family have been affected by Cyclone Gabrielle, you may be able to get a Civil Defence payment. Go to Work and Income for more information.

Water and Health

• Avoid flood waters if you can. Assume that all flood water is contaminated by run-off from the surrounding environment and contain faecal matter from animals, sewage, farm chemicals, diesel/petrol from roads, etc.
• Always wash your hands with soap and water
• Do not allow children to play in flood-affected areas until clean-up is complete. If children have been in flood-affected areas, make sure they wash their hands well afterward
• For more information on drinking water, sewage and rubbish measures, drying out your house and protecting your health in an emergency, this Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand page may help.

Insurance

• Take photos of all damage prior to clean-up for insurance purposes

Supplies

• In northern Wairarapa some eastern coastal communities are being assisted with a request for supplies. If you have any welfare issues relating accommodation, food, or other needs because of the severe weather call 0800 CD WAIRARAPA (0800 239 247).

Forecast

• Rain is expected to ease which should see rivers receding, although river levels at the Waihenga Bridge may rise again later on Thursday
• Keep an eye on the weather and visit Met Service for up-to-date weather warnings: www.metservice.com/warnings/home 

Mental wellbeing and emotional support

• We appreciate this will be a very difficult time for many people. For help with anxiety, distress, or mental wellbeing call/test “Need to Talk” on 1737 to speak to a trained counsellor for free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Or call Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254 to talk to someone who understands the pressures of rural life.

If your property is damaged, take photos prior to clean-up for insurance purposes.