South Wairarapa’s storms in February have been classified as a Medium-Scale Adverse Event by the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) and the Council is working closely with the Wairarapa Rural Support Trust (Wairarapa RST) to advocate for those experiencing ongoing impacts of the weather event. 

The MPI classification acknowledges the significant impacts on farmers and rural communities, potentially opening the door to access additional support and recovery assistance.   

The South Wairarapa Recovery Office is acutely aware of ongoing challenges faced by farms, businesses and landowners and rural and coastal communities following the severe weather event from 15 to 16 February. It is understood that impacts include large fallen trees across farms, extensive fence damage, blocked access tracks, disrupted stock management and flood damage. 

A Rural Impacts Assessment survey has been completed, with the results being used to target support to impacted people. People with further ongoing impacts are encouraged to engage with the Wairarapa RST and their local council. 

Support options are being explored through recovery work being led by Council staff in partnership with key agencies and organisations. These include Emergency Management Wairarapa, Wellington Region Emergency Management Office (WREMO), Greater Wellington Regional Council, MPI, iwi and hapū, Te Puni Kōkiri, the Ministry of Social Development and the Wairarapa RST.  

Rural Support Trusts are autonomous, charitable trusts that help people and families in the wider rural community who experience a climatic, financial or personal adverse event to more effectively meet and overcome these challenges. Their services are free and confidential. Wairarapa RST has received some additional funding from MPI to extend its outreach service following this severe weather event.  

Recovery resources are under significant pressure across the motu (country) following February’s nationwide adverse weather events. South Wairarapa District Council is advocating for the needs of its communities across the district.