The government steps in with financial aid.
The New Zealand Government has allocated $435,000 to support emergency waste clean-up efforts following a devastating tornado that struck Mangawhai in Northland on January 26. Environment Minister Penny Simmonds and Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell made the announcement, acknowledging the challenges councils face in managing post-severe weather event waste.
According to Ms Simmonds, the funding will assist the Kaipara District Council in managing emergency waste and provide relief to the community as they recover from the disaster. Officials from the Ministry for the Environment, Kaipara District Council, and the National Emergency Management Agency met following the event to assess costs associated with the tornado.
The tornado resulted in serious injuries, property damage, power outages, and blocked roads due to storm debris. The Kaipara District Council quickly managed emergency waste responsibly after the event, and the government's funding will cover a significant portion of their costs from the immediate aftermath. A final report is expected within three months outlining how the funds were used.
The recovery process remains an ongoing effort, with the council working towards strengthening resilience and supporting community recovery. Further information on the Ministry for the Environment's response to recent severe weather events can be found online.