Flood-battered Tāmaki Makaurau had a slight reprieve today but terrible weather is expected to return to the region, as well as Northland, later today.
Green Party co-leader and Manurewa resident Marama Davidson says she and her whānau were not directly affected by the weekend’s rainfall destruction but she sadly acknowledged the four people that lost their lives, their families and others who have been in the mayhem.
“This is a really tough time for Tāmaki Makaurau at the moment,” she says. “Here at Manurewa, I’ve been making sure that I’ve got a bit of a feel for what has been happening in our communities, particularly here in South Auckland.”
Davidson has also chimed in on the debate over Auckland mayor Wayne Brown. Calls have been made for his resignation following his seemingly late emergency response to the horrendous rainfall. Davidson says people she has talked to felt there was no reassuring, clear or timely communication.
The efforts to help Aucklanders needing support from the weather continues
She says it’s a concern from many whānau that will be taken “very seriously”.
Although central and local government’s efforts have come through, it’s the Manu Tukutuku Centre in Randwick Park (South Auckland’s Civil Defence Centre) community members and whānau that have impressed Davidson the most.
'Everyone there helping'
“I’ve been down at the centre for the past few days. The biggest thing I can see there is everyone there helping, all of the staff on the ground, all of the services. They just want to go out of their way to make sure whānau and people feel welcomed and we can give as much dignity, care and stress relief as we possibly can.”
“Know that a lot of people are working together really well to prioritise people’s care and safety.”
The supercity is in a state of emergency and will remain so until at least Thursday. A further red weather warning has been issued for tomorrow and Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Labour Takanini MP Anae Leavasa, who has worked for the Red Cross as a doctor, says the floods have affected whanau in their homes, their bedding and clothes.
He says many in South Auckland have come to Manu Tukutuku Centre in Manurewa, which is one of three Civil Defence safe havens for those affected by the floods in Auckland.
“Many have come through to get registered and speak to the MSD staff who are here. Temporary accommodation has been sorted, food parcels have been delivered, dry clothes and bedding, everything they need.”
'Please come in'
“We're providing a safe space for whānau. The Red Cross has brought 140 beds to make sure we can house them while they're waiting for their temporary accommodation. And they can have tea and coffee over here in a safe space to speak to one of our services,” Leavasa says
“Please don't be whakamā, please come in. We really are here to support you, whatever needs you have. Let us do the mahi to support you well enough. Do it for your kids, do it for your whānau. We are all here to support.”
People who have been affected by the floods are advised to visit www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz for assistance. If they don't have internet access, all Auckland libraries have computers the public can use. In addition, if they need more assistance:
- To report flooding, damage to drains, or stormwater issues, please log the issue online here.
- To report slips on private land contact the landowner, or your insurance company.
- For landslides that might affect public land, contact Auckland Council on 09 301 0101. For landslides that might affect public roads, contact Auckland Transport at 09 355 3553.
- If you need urgent accommodation assistance, call 0800 22 22 00.
- For welfare assistance, contact the Ministry of Social Development at 0800 400 100.
