Ruapehu District Council has set up a Mayoral Relief Fund in partnership with the Te Awa Community Foundation to support recovery efforts in Ōhura township and surrounding areas following the recent flooding.

The public can donate to the Fund through a direct link on Council’s website: ruapehudc.govt.nz to the Te Awa Community Foundation. All funds raised will go directly toward response and recovery activities.

Ruapehu Mayor Weston Kirton said that establishing the Fund meant they could move forward with critical recovery tasks and respond to people with the most urgent needs.

“Having a Mayoral Relief Fund allows us to focus on immediate recovery needs such as pumping out septic tanks and clearing debris to keep people in their homes.

As recovery progresses, Council will continue to prioritise areas of greatest need, particularly where other forms of assistance may not be available for such things as assisting with repairs to uninsured properties, replacing essential household, and providing other basic necessities.

Mayor Kirton said it was critically important for residents to come forward and complete a needs assessment so support can be targeted effectively from the appropriate agencies.

“Ōhura is a community facing immediate and significant challenges, and we want to ensure we can maximise funding sources and target it to where it will make the biggest difference,” he said.

Mayor Kirton also encouraged anyone in a position to help to consider making a donation.

“Every contribution will have a direct impact, helping families return to their homes and begin rebuilding as quickly as possible.”

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