23 June, 2015

Mayor asks Whangarei to help flooded Whanganui

Mayor Sheryl Mai is calling on Whangarei residents to help the flood victims of Whanganui in the same way they helped us in 2007 – by donating to their Mayoral Relief Fund.

Whangarei suffered extensive flood, wind and coastal damage during the storm of late March 2007, and in July that year when two severe storms compounded the problems and created new ones.

“The people of Whanganui contributed $12,480.57 in August 2007 to Whangarei’s Mayoral Flood Relief Fund established by then Mayor, Pamela Peters, to assist those whose homes and livelihoods had been affected by these storms,” Mayor Mai says.

“They held cake stalls and dug deep into their pockets on the streets and in pubs and clubs to come up with $7480.57, and the Whanganui District Council added another $5000 to that total.

“The time has come to return that kindness now that the people of Whanganui are experiencing the aftermath of the largest flood ever recorded in the district.”

A state of local emergency was declared in Whanganui on 20 June 2015 following torrential rain over the two preceding days. Around 200 properties had to be evacuated, hundreds more homes were left flooded or inaccessible, and roads throughout the district became impassable due to slips, wash outs or flooding.

“The full extent of damage won’t be known until the water recedes completely, but it is likely to be catastrophic,” Mayor Mai says.

“It goes without saying that the clean-up will be long, arduous and heartbreaking, and we need to return the support they gave us when we were in a similar situation.

“Council will decide tomorrow ) on the level of its own contribution to Whanganui’s Mayoral Relief Fund, and I’m asking our residents to find it in their hearts to give a few dollars or organise or support a dedicated fundraising event themselves.”

Whanganui Mayor, Annette Main, says deposits to the Whanganui Mayoral Relief Fund can be made to account number 03-0791-0355050-04, while those wishing to help people in the wider Manawatu/Whanganui area can contribute to theManawatu Wanganui Regional Disaster Relief Fund Trust at Westpac bank account number 03-0728-0411355-00.

“Our own experience has shown us that making donations to a Relief Fund is more effective than sending food, clothes or household items,” Mayor Mai says.

“Receiving and delivering large amounts of donated goods can create problems of its own at a time when resources are already stretched, whereas Fund money is relatively quick and easy to direct to where it serves best purpose.

“I suggest our people use this channel for its efficiency, and also because it’s the best way to show our friends in Whanganui that our hearts and thoughts are with them.

ends

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