MEDIA RELEASE

6/23/2015 4:56 PM

Agencies and property owners across the Region are taking stock of damage caused by flood waters as attention turns to clean-up and recovery.

Horizons regional incident controller Craig Grant says as aerial reconnaissance undertaken throughout the day has provided a clearer picture of the impacted area, allowing teams to start planning their next steps.

“As rivers continue to recede, we’re gaining a greater understanding of damage to the flood protection network. We are aware of breaches in our system most noteably on the Oroua River, at Main Drain Road near Rangiotu and on the Koputoroa Stream.

“We’ve also become aware of damage to stopbanking on the Manawatu River near Opiki. Our operations staff are on-site across the Region working to assess any damage to schemes and assets.”

“Emphasis across the Region is shifting to a longer-term focus, including the assessment and reinstatement of infrastructure to help people get their lives back on track.”

Horizons rural advice and compliance staff have spent the last two days visiting a number of farmers affected by the floods alongside representatives from Fonterra.

“Access is still an issue for farmers across the Region as rural roads and bridges have been washed out. Of the farmers visited most are holding up well and our staff have been pleased to hear that while there has been a lot of pasture damage, stock losses appear to be fairly low at this point.”

If farmers are at all concerned about regulatory issues they are advised to contact Horizons’ rural advice team on toll free number 0508 800 800. Welfare of people and stock remains a top priority.

The Manawatu Wanganui Regional Disaster Relief Fund Trust has been reactivated to accept

donations from those who wish to help those affected by the recent widespread flooding. The Trust was formed in response to the 2004 floods and the Trustees represent all local authorities in the region.

Chairperson Eric Linklater said the Trust played a vital role in the 2004 floods helping Councils and relief agencies target funds to where it was most required and wish to assist once more.

Anyone wishing to make a donation to the Manawatu Wanganui Regional Disaster Relief Fund Trust can do so by depositing funds into the following Westpac bank account – 030-728-0411355-00

The Wanganui District Council Mayoral Fund has also been activated for people wanting to make specific donations to the people of Wanganui in both the urban and rural areas. Donations to this fund can be made via Westpac account number 03 0791 0355050 04. People are being asked to leave their contact details and name as the reference details if they wish. If you would like to make a contribution the account number is Westpac 03 0791 0355050 04. Over to you if you want to leave us your contact details and name as the reference.

Information about the State Highway network is available from NZTA website www.nzta.govt.nz

Facebook page www.facebook.com/civildefencemanawatuwanganui will continue to act as a hub for flood-related information.

ENDS

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