Response teams continue working across southwest Waikato

Joint media statement – Western Waikato Emergency Operations Centre

The focus of emergency response in southwest Waikato remains reaching isolated communities and properties, assessing and addressing known damage, and maintaining safe drinking water supply to Pirongia.

A joint Emergency Operations Centre has been established at Otorohanga District Council offices, to support Waipā and Ōtorohanga councils after States of Emergency were declared on the weekend in response to significant weather events.

Civil Defence controller Wayne Allan said this morning’s first Incident Management Team meeting brought together reports from multiple response teams and agencies, all with the primary focus of preserving life and working towards recovery for individuals, families and the region. A team of New Zealand Response Team staff from Auckland arrived this morning to help connect on the ground with people in isolated areas.

The water supply to Pirongia remains a significant concern, despite a strong community effort to conserve water in recent days. Flooding demolished the water treatment station on Te Tahi Road, and the reservoir has been drained for further inspections. Alternate emergency supply is being piped from Te Awamutu but tankered water remains a contingency. Wastewater networks are not affected.

“The Pirongia community is doing a great job with water conservation but it’s critical they continue to do so,” Mr Allan says

“This remains an evolving situation and we reiterate the need for people to take any warnings seriously and respect safety signage. We have received reports of people driving through roadblocks which is not only dangerous for the individuals, it can impact and slow response teams.

“This is also locals helping locals. It’s a joint effort from not just Waipā and Ōtorohanga Councils but also neighbouring councils and Civil Defence teams to support our people. We thank the Mayors and Councillors, our mana whenua partners and our community. Many of the people working on this response are doing so while their own homes, friends and family have been impacted.

“The focus for the response teams is on Wharepapa South, Kāwhia, Aotea and Corcoran Road, as well as assisting with clean-up efforts underway in the Ōtorohanga township. A helicopter will be used to look at infrastructure across the districts as well as property checks and welfare support in Wharapapa South.

“We are contacting and visiting properties individually and have support from multiple agencies. 120 people have been evacuated and are safe. Council building inspectors are carrying out Rapid Building Assessments (RBA) in the storm-affected areas, with a placard system used for properties which have been inspected,“ Mr Allan said.

White placards mean the building is safe to occupy, yellow means access is restricted with conditions, and red means do not enter due to land or property damage. Two properties have received red notices to date.

Anyone travelling in affected areas is urged to check NZTA Waka Kotahi’s online journey planner for state highways, or the Ōtorohanga District Council or Waipa District Council websites.

Roads are re-opening in some areas, but monitoring continues with numerous culverts and bridges being inspected after significant scouring and flooding.

Civil Defence welfare requests by individuals and families are being co-ordinated through Here to Help U as a one-stop support service in affected areas. People can contact 0800 568 273 and leave a call back request.