Ruapehu District Council Civil Defence and partner agencies are continuing to assess welfare needs and support the community following the devastating flooding that impacted the Ōhura township and wider Ruapehu district over the weekend.

COMMUNITY WELFARE

The main requests for assistance to date have been for food parcels, along with cleaning supplies and household products to support clean-up efforts.

Local iwi, Ngāti Hauā, have been supporting affected whānau with dry firewood after around ten households lost their winter supplies in the flooding. Firewood is critical not only for heating but also to help dry out homes.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) volunteers are assisting with recovery, using fire appliances to hose out properties and clear streets of mud and debris.

At this stage, 49 homes have been identified as impacted by floodwaters. This number is expected to increase as more residents come forward seeking assistance.

Police are remaining visible in the community providing reassurance and have reported no calls for service.

WATER AND ESSENTIAL SERVICES

The Ōhura water treatment plant is back up and running following a pump fault yesterday.

Residents are asked to conserve water where possible, as demand remains high due to clean-up activities and reservoir levels recover.

Work is underway to organise septic tank pump-outs, with further details to be shared shortly.

ŌHURA TRANSFER STATION HOURS EXTENDED TO SUPPORT CLEAN-UP

To help residents dispose of flood-damaged materials, the Ōhura Transfer Station has extended its hours:

• Tuesday 21 April: 1.00pm – 5.00pm
• Wednesday 22 April: 8.00am – 5.00pm
• Thursday 23 April: 8.00am – 5.00pm
• Friday 24 April: 8.00am – 5.00pm

RURAL IMPACTS

The Rural Support Trust continues to engage with farmers affected by the weather event.

Initial reports highlight widespread slips, along with damage to fences and bridges, making it difficult to access properties and manage stock. Some stock losses have been reported, particularly in the Ōhura area.

ROAD ACCESS AND SAFETY

All roads impacted by the flooding are now open to one lane for emergency services and residents only.

Drivers are urged to exercise extreme caution. With further rain forecast, there remains a risk of additional slips, fallen trees, and road closures.

Any road issues should be reported to Council on 07 895 8188.

Mayor’s message and community hui – 2pm Ōhura Community Hall

Ruapehu Mayor Weston Kirton said he is working to establish a Mayoral Relief Fund, with further details to be announced soon.

“I encourage people to come forward and openly share their needs so we can get them the help they need,” Mayor Kirton said.

“I can assure the community that Council and our partner agencies are focused solely on supporting recovery. Our priority is getting help to those who need it.”

Residents are also reminded of the public meeting being held at 2.00pm today at the Ōhura Community Hall.

“Please come along to hear about the response, the plan going forward, and to have your say. If you’re hungry, join us from 1.00pm for a BBQ,” he said.

Further updates will be provided as recovery efforts continue.

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