"Police response Kaikoura Day 4"

17 Nov, 2016

Police have today continued working with partner agencies who have been conducting welfare checks and needs assessments in remote areas of Kaikoura using New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) helicopters.

Yesterday Police, USAR, and welfare staff flew to remote and isolated areas north of Kaikoura by NZDF helicopter to conduct welfare checks and assess the needs of those who have been impacted by Monday’s earthquake.

These areas included; Okiwi Bay, Waipapa Bay, Raukatara, Half Moon Bay, Blue Duck Valley Road, Puhi Puhi Valley Road, and Clarence Valley (South side).

Today, Police staff in an NZDF Helicopter visited the cut off settlement of Goose Bay to deliver medication and assess needs for further supplies.

An attempt was also made to reach Waiau today but the flight was turned back due to poor weather and low visibility.

Planning is underway for further flights to the area once the weather has cleared to check on people’s welfare.

“As of this afternoon, we have received nearly 400 requests from people asking for welfare checks and only 28 of these remain to be cleared.

We will continue our visits as soon as weather permits,” says Police Forward Commander Superintendent Chris Scahill.

“The feedback we have had on these visits is that people are largely upbeat and are coping well, considering their situation.

“We have already conducted initial visits to remote areas and are planning further flights once the weather clears to reach people in need of assistance.

“A roadblock is still in place at the junction of SH1 and the inland road as the road remains closed to private vehicles. We will work with the relevant agencies to facilitate public travel on this road when it is safe to open.”

Local Police, with the support of additional staff, continue to be available 24/7 to respond to requests for assistance, as well as continuing general policing duties and community patrols.

“Frontline staff in the Kaikoura area continue to have a highly visible presence to keep the community safe,” says Superintendent Scahill.

If you are in the Kaikoura area and are concerned about your safety or the safety of anyone else call 111.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

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