Around 35 people took to the water at Pourerere Beach last Thursday for the final Surfing for Farmers for 2023.
Organisers held the event to honour Hamish Hewitt – who passed away last month – and who was a big supporter of Surfing for Farmers.
Spokesperson Andy Lee said there were around 35 surfers, with well over 50 people at the BBQ held afterward.
He said Surfing for Farmers will return again in December.
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Te Whatu Ora – Health NZ will continue to fund doctors visits and prescription fees for those still displaced by Cyclone Gabrielle and for those in isolated communities.
$5 prescription fees were reintroduced for Hawke’s Bay yesterday, after being removed following the cyclone.
Te Whatu Ora says for those who can’t live in their own home or are in an isolated community, doctor or urgent care visits, and prescriptions will be free until the 10th of April.
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Applications for the Tararua Mayoral Flood Relief Fund are now open.
Residents, ratepayers or small business owners, including self-employed people and sole-traders, and not-for-profit organisations who have suffered financial hardship because of damages caused by Cyclone Gabrielle are eligible to apply.
Maximum grants from the relief fund are $1000 for individuals, and $2000 for community groups, farmers, businesses, and marae.
An application form is available on the Tararua District Council website.
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Police are urging motorists to take extra care on the recently re-opened State Highway 5.
The Napier-Taupo Road reopened to all traffic yesterday during daylight hours.
Eastern District Road Policing Manager, Inspector Angela Hallett, says while we’re all pleased that we can travel the road again, just like us the road is still recovering from the recent devastating effects of Cyclone Gabrielle.
She says Police have an increased presence on SH5 and road-users should expect to see officers anywhere at any time.
Inspector Hallett says temporary speed restrictions are in place for the safety of all road users and are clearly signposted and will be enforced.
State Highway 5 is open from 7am to 7pm each day and is closed from 7pm to 7am.
