PRESS RELEASE Orewa 12th July 2007: 4.33

Rodney District Council is appealing to its community to keep requests for assistance to genuine emergencies.

The council's spokesperson, Mike Isle, says welfare agencies and the council's resources were stretched as many areas in the district face a third night without power after Tuesday's storm.

He said the focus was on the elderly and the infirm and other cases of genuine need. "But requests such as people wanting delivery of food and water when they had two or more cars in the drive were placing unnecessary pressure on those resources," he said.

Mr Isle acknowledged that the council was currently monitoring the welfare of eight households and one retirement home. Where necessary has heaters were being supplied, he says. And transfers to areas with power were a possibility.

For the general community, the council has opened its Whangateau and Orewa Holiday Camps, Hibiscus Coast Leisure Centre, and Parakai Hot Springs for people to have hot showers.

Mr Isle says the situation would be monitored overnight with the possibility of the council taking further measures in the morning.

ENDS

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