Selwyn District Mayor Removes State of Emergency

At noon on Thursday, 16 September 2010, the Selwyn District Mayor, Kelvin Coe removed the Civil Defence emergency status that had been in place across the Selwyn District since the devastating earthquake of 4 September.

The decision to lift the emergency status has been made in consultation with the Mayors of Christchurch City and Waimakariri District, and central government. The state of emergency has been lifted concurrently across all three regions affected by the earthquake.

“This means we are moving into what we call the 'recovery stage' and focusing our attention towards rebuilding our communities and getting as many Selwyn people as possible back to their normal lives,” said Mayor Coe.

“In saying that, the Council, community organisations, volunteer groups and social services understand that there are still a large number of issues to be dealt with in the wake of the earthquake. In many cases, people are beginning to feel the emotional, psychological, and financial after affects more acutely as time goes on.”

Removal of the emergency status is by no means an indication that the support available from the Council and other organisations will be reduced. In fact, many of the support services are beginning to ramp up their effort as time goes on.

“I urge the people of Selwyn District to continue to ask for help if they need it,” said Mayor Coe. “It is vitally important that we understand the support our different communities and individuals within it require, so we can help them.”

One example of the support available is the financial assistance being offered by the New Zealand Red Cross Canterbury Earthquake Commission. Residents who have been displaced from their homes should call the Council or visit www.selwyn.govt.nz to access more information about the grants and get an application form.

“Over the past thirteen days the people of the Selwyn District have responded remarkably to this crisis. We have banded together, mobilised a remarkable number of volunteers and have looked after each other,” said Mayor Coe. “As we move into recovery, the community still needs to support each other and make sensible judgements in a number of areas.”

One of the Council’s biggest concerns is the fact that there are still a large number of unsafe buildings labelled with red or yellow notices within the District. It is vitally important that these notices remain in place despite the removal of the state of emergency.

If building owners are unsure of the process for repairing their building and getting them assessed in order to be able to remove the notices, they should contact the Council.

Anyone needing support, information or advice on any matter relating to recovery from the earthquake should contact the Council on 03 347 2800 or 03 318 8338 or visit the Council website www.selwyn.govt.nz.

ENDS

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