VIDEO - Support ongoing as State of Emergency lifted
Ongoing support for those affected by the March 2026 Serious Weather Event was emphasised by Kahika Moko Tepania and Kohepu Chicky Rudkin during a video message announcing the lifting of the local State of Emergency at 1.18pm today (Thursday 2 April).
This moves the Civil Defence Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) from an emergency response into a recovery one, for an initial period of 28 days, which includes the Easter break starting tomorrow.
During the transition phase the EOC Recovery Manager, based at council headquarters in Kaikohe, retains emergency powers that enable ongoing recovery efforts. This includes continuing damage assessments, managing unsafe buildings or land, fixing affected infrastructure and supporting communities’ welfare needs.
Mayor Tepania and Kohepu Rudkin acknowledged the huge week it has been for those communities in the west of the district who were hit hardest by the severe weather. In Kaitāia 118 homes were evacuated during the height of the storm when rapidly rising water cut off access and flooded properties, while in the south Hokianga 65 homes were inundated in Whirinaki and 40 in Wekaweka when heavy rains caused the local river to burst its banks.
Food, water packs, clothing and bedding have been distributed by the EOC and two Incident Management Teams stood up in Kaitāia and Whirinaki to support the emergency response.
Continuing recovery work includes ongoing support for those whose homes or properties have been damaged. While most homes within the impacted communities have now been visited, there may still be people impacted by the storm yet to make contact with Civil Defence and council teams. If that is you, or you know of someone yet to be assessed, please call the council on 0800 920 029 or make contact with our recovery teams driving clearly identifiable Civil Defence vehicles.
Funding
Residents whose properties have been damaged by the storm can apply to a relief fund, once Civil Defence teams have assessed the damage.
Engaging with Civil Defence teams will also ensure that impacted households are put in contact with support agencies, like the Temporary Accommodation Service (TAS). This provides short term support for people who have been displaced from their damaged homes. It has now opened a registration portal for the March 2026 severe weather event in Northland.
Mayoral Relief Fund
A Mayoral Relief Fund, which distributes donated funds to support homeowners and residents impacted by the 26 March severe weather event has also been opened by Far North District Council.
Residents needing assistance with everyday essentials, transport, and replacing damaged household items will be given priority. The fund helps cover repair or recovery costs for buildings affected by flooding, as well as essential items not covered by insurance or other support.
Apply online through Te Tahua Toka Tū Moana – Mayoral Disaster Relief Fund webpage. You can also pick up a form at any Far North District Council service centre or library.
Main image - aerial view of Kaitāia on 27 March when the town was flooded due to severe weather.
Watch the latest update from the heart of our severe weather response at the Emergency Operations Centre in Kaikohe from Kahika Moko Tepania and Kohepu Chicky Rudkin…
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