Advocacy from Federated Farmers Tararua President Sally Dryland has seen a policy u-turn by Horizons Regional Council for farmers replacing culverts as a result of Cyclone Gabrielle.
Dryland said she is pleased that Horizons has recognised the need to get on and get work done on farm by empowering them to fix infrastructure without getting consents.
Farmers will now be able to replace culverts at a bigger size without the need for resource consent.
Previous advice from the Council said they could only be replaced “like for like”.
Sally Dryland said its about building back better and smarter.
Farmers can also replace or repair other infrastructure, such as farm bridges, on a like-for-like basis without consent.
-------------------
The Regional Disaster Relief fund is now taking donations.
The regions Mayors and Chair of the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council yesterday activated the regional Disaster Relief Trust, allowing people from anywhere in the country to donate to the recovery effort from Cyclone Gabrielle.
Donations can be made online at the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council website. Text donations are also being taken by texting the word DONATE to 5569.
Meanwhile a targeted regional fund has been set up to help those in the community worst affected by the disaster.
The Hawke’s Bay Foundation has launched the HB Cyclone Relief Fund as a way for New Zealanders to donate much needed financial assistance.
The Foundation’s Executive Officer Amy Bowkett says it’s the safest and easiest way for people who are feeling helpless, to support large scale regional relief efforts.
She says the events of Cyclone Gabrielle have been catastrophic for so many communities across Hawke’s Bay and the need for support is now critical.
Donations will go to assist organisations procure the provisions necessary to get vital supplies to people in need and will target improved access to services such as psychological support for flood victims.
Businesses or individuals can support the Fund for Hawke’s Bay by accessing the Hawke’s Bay Foundation website, www.hawkesbayfoundation.org.nz.
----------------
The Waipukurau Little Theatre is cancelling its upcoming production, The Drowning Girls.
President Hilary Blamires said it has been a devastating week for our community, with friends and family losing contact with each other, and the loss of life.
Anyone who has already purchased tickets will be reimbursed.
The Drowning Girls was set to begin on the 23rd of March.
-----------------
The Central Hawke’s Bay District Council has been able to get pumps up and running at its Tikokino Road borefield.
The pumps failed overnight on Sunday, prompting the Council to ask residents of Waipawa and Otane to critically conserve water.
Tankers were brought in to top the supply up, with water to the top end of Waipawa turned on for 4-hour periods from Monday evening.
The Council said yesterday that the pumps were now working, and is a major step forward in getting control on the water situation.
Waipawa and Otane remain on Level 4 water restrictions, meaning no outdoor water use, and no dishwasher or washing machine use.
