Kelvin Davis
Labour List MP

13 July 2014

Call for Government to step up in North

The Government needs to step up and help local councils fix infrastructure problems highlighted by the recent Northland storms, Labour MP Kelvin Davis says.

"The bad weather has amplified how susceptible the North really is at times like this.

"Our roading infrastructure is a major source of concern. This weather event has shown that when the main road in and out of the north fails, the side roads are just not able to cope as detour routes.

“Right now Te Tai Tokerau is at risk of running low on basic necessities such as bread, milk and fuel because supply trucks can’t get past a slip on State Highway 1 south of Kawakawa.

"A number of households have lost whole freezers full of food due to trees coming down on power lines - now they may have to contend with not being able to re stock the basics.

“Not only that, but if petrol supplies dwindle some people in outlying areas may struggle to even get into town.

"The various councils in Northland now need to go through a process of identifying the risks to the area in case of any future disaster, and seek central government help to fix any problems.

“If that is not forthcoming our people and communities will remain vulnerable."

ENDS

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