MEDIA RELEASE

Auckland Region Civil Defence & Emergency Management Group

13 July 2007

Days after storm conditions affected the Auckland region; around 500 homes are still experiencing total power outages.

Regional group controller Harry O’Rourke says the Auckland Region Civil Defence and Emergency Management Group is monitoring the situation, particularly in the Rodney District and on Waiheke Island.

“The Auckland Region Welfare Advisory Group met this morning to review and assess the welfare requirements of the region. Local, regional and national welfare agencies have joined together to assist each other in getting through this unfortunate situation.

“I would like to reiterate the messages that the various national agencies and local councils have been communicating and remind people to look out for their neighbours and ask for help if they need it.

“The Government emergency response helpline (0800 779 997) is available to all those who need assistance with food, clothing and emergency accommodation as a result of the recent storm.

“This is also a time to pull together and help those around you. If people have elderly or less mobile friends or neighbours that might require help, please telephone the helpline.”

The 0800 welfare assistance number is for people requiring accommodation, non-emergency medical assistance and food etc. The emergency number is 111.

Power
• Around 500 homes are still without total power in the Auckland region, predominantly in the Rodney District
• Affected areas are parts of Wellsford (Wayby, Port Albert and Whangaripo), parts of Snells Beach and Algies Bay, Warkworth (Matakana, Kaipara Flats, Whangateau, Mahurangi), Hatfields Beach, Kaukapakapa, Waiwera/Puhoi, Whangaparaoa Peninsula, Helensville, Waiheke Island, Coatesville, Makaurau.
Hot water
• Houses in Waitakere City and on the North Shore have had power restored but are still without hot water
• Vector have repair crews working on this and customers are asked to continue to be patient
• Go to www.vector.co.nz for further information
Welfare assistance
• Emergency assistance is available to those affected by the recent storm
• For more information phone the Government Emergency Response Helpline on 0800 779 997
• Rodney residents can contact Rodney District Council on 0800 426 5169
• Assistance is also available to those in the rural community who require help on farms
• Warkworth and Waiheke Island service centres will be open over the weekend or until power is restored
Food
• Food in freezers that has defrosted should not be re-frozen and should be carefully checked before cooking. If people are unsure about its safety, they should dispose of it carefully.
Rodney District
• Visit the Rodney District Council website (www.rodney.govt.nz) for further information about welfare and assistance provided by RDC, including hot showers, emergency requests and power supply.

ENDS

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