Civil Defence recovery to continue over Easter break

Far North District Council’s response to last week’s damaging storm will continue over the Easter holiday weekend with operations focusing more and more on recovery.

This week, Rapid Response Teams concentrated their efforts on gaining a full picture of the damage caused by the storm and have visited hard-hit communities in the west of the district, from south Hokianga and north to Kaitāia. Over the past six days they have assessed 377 homes. Of those 185 were in Kaitāia, 65 in Whirinaki and 40 in Wekaweka. Food and water packs have been distributed, and clothing and bedding have gone to 13 families or individuals. Five families were placed in emergency accommodation.

Two Incident Management Teams were stood up within the hardest-hit communities of Kaitāia and Whirinaki to support the Emergency Operations Centre based at Kaikohe.

In Whirinaki, 161 people were directly affected when the Whirinaki River burst its banks. Sixty-five homes have been impacted, five of which are currently uninhabitable. Forty-five food parcels have been delivered. Three families were hosted at Whakarongotai Marae, which has continued to provide hot meals for those working on the recovery.

While most homes within impacted communities have now been visited, Civil Defence teams are still hearing about individuals or whanau who have not been assessed in the Whirinaki and Ōmāpere areas. If you have been impacted by the storm and are still waiting to be contacted, or if you know of someone yet to be assessed, please call the council on 0800 920 029 or make contact with a Rapid Response Team member. They will be driving clearly identifiable Civil Defence vehicles.

State of Emergency

The State of Emergency declared for the Far North District on Thursday 26 March, is due to be reviewed tomorrow (Thursday). If the declaration is lifted, the Recovery Manager will retain emergency powers to enable ongoing recovery work to continue efficiently. Recovery work continues after the immediate Civil Defence emergency response is completed. This often involves ongoing support for those whose homes or properties have been damaged.

Funding

A relief fund was established on Friday 27 March for residents whose properties have been damaged by the storm. Applications can be made 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. An example is 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

Far North District Council has also opened a Mayoral Relief Fund, which distributes donated funds to support homeowners and residents impacted by the 26 March heavy rain event. Priority is given to residents needing assistance with everyday essentials, transport, and replacing damaged household items. The fund will help 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. Or you can pick up a form at any Far North District Council service centre or Library.

---

Main image: Aeria l image of Whirinaki 27 March.