PRESS RELEASE Orewa, 17th July 2007

Council taking lead on storm welfare

Public patience with the lack of power has been running thin, but Rodney District Council is continuing its support of people suffering hardship after the recent storm.

The council's Chief Executive Officer, Vijaya Vaidyanath, says council recovery and Civil Defence staff have been working around the clock to get things back to normal and should get the credit they deserve.

"While Vector and private contractors have worked to restore power we tried to handle the welfare issues of the community. šThat's involved the supply of generators, gas heaters and food in cases of genuine hardship and our holiday parks and Leisure Centre have opened up their shower facilities," she says.

The council is also accommodating families in need in motels, the cost of which will be recovered from a regional emergency fund.

But the council has not been alone. šMrs Vaidyanath says that welfare agencies such as Age Concern, Salvation Army and emergency services have also been "rushed off their feet" and at the height of the storm's aftermath there were more than 100 welfare volunteers and volunteer fire personnel involved in Rodney.

Yesterday, the council's Call Centre received just over 2000 calls, 500 more than a normal Monday. šAnd although most households now have power restored, recovery work will continue. šThe council's recovery manager, Paul Green, has issued the followed advice for Rodney residents:

* Anybody still without power and needing welfare assistance, should call the Government's emergency helpline 0800 779 997 or the council's helpline 0800 426 5169.

* Some homes still without power may be on private lines. šIt may pay to check with your local contractor or electrician.

* In some instances Vector is reluctant to restore power to vacant properties because of safety issues. šIf you haven't checked your property recently, please do so. šIf without power, call the council on 0800 426 5169.

* Vector and other line crews have been working around the clock. šMany have worked far longer than normal to assist their colleagues and the community. Support for any you see on the roadside and offers of comfort such as coffee would be appreciated.

ENDS.

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