Liveable Homes

The Eastern Bay Energy Trust has pledged insulation for all houses, regardless of insurance status. 

The Liveable Homes agreement (the contract that property owners have to sign to allow the Liveable Homes teams into their property) will be signed off by the Council today. This means work can start soon on registered properties.

Rates postponement and remission

Rates invoices marked as ‘postponed’ will be issued for the 269 properties (185 owner-occupied; 69 owned by non-resident ratepayers; 11 large rural properties; and 4 commercial properties) identified so far as eligible for rates remission. These property owners will need to apply for the remission, and a letter is being sent to explain the process.

Rates payments will not be required until these properties are repaired to a standard where they can be safely reoccupied.

Initial estimates indicate that this may cost $168,000 in this financial year and possibly more next year.

Tzu Chi Foundation

The Taiwan Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation NZ is returning to Edgecumbe on Sunday, 28 May to continue the gifting of prezzie cards to red or yellow stickered households that did not already receive one. Starting at 1pm, the gifting will be in the Edgecumbe College Hall. People representing a household that has not already received their $700 card, are asked to fill in a registration form before the ceremony begins. This will be provided on the day.

The Foundation gifts one card per household, and the gift is intended for the tenants/owner-occupiers of the property at the time of the events.

To learn more about the Foundation and the work they do in New Zealand and around the world, visit their website »

College Road footpath

A new temporary College Road footpath is being installed over the next few days to ensure the safety of pedestrians – particularly children heading to school. 

Road traffic volume is currently very high and there is a need, for pedestrians and vehicles who use this stretch of road, to ensure they are clearly visible and can pass through safely.

Legal services

The Baywide Community Law Service can provide free legal advice and assistance to those in need. They have expertise in a wide range of legal issues including insurance. They are based in Phoenix House, Pyne St, Whakatane – phone 07 308 6817. Appointments are not necessary but preferable if possible. They can and do accept koha for their services.

Important messages for farmers

How you can help to reduce biosecurity risk for your property and the catchment post flooding

• General pest and plant concerns
  • Ensure all rotten food from fridges or freezers is disposed of in a correct and timely manner.
  • General weed issues may arise in future if your farm was affected by floodwaters and silt from within the catchment. If this happens the Regional Council can provide an advisory service.

• When buying in or receiving donated feed:
  • Check that the property the feed is coming from does not have weeds that are not known to be present on your farm.
• When dealing with contractors who are bringing machinery to your property:
  • Ensure the contractors are following the ‘Keep it Clean’ guidelines for machinery »
• When stock return to your farm:
  • Put them into a ‘quarantine’ paddock and inspect that paddock for unusual plants in the coming spring. If anything is detected report this to the Regional Council.

If you have access to a large volume hose, spray the feet of the heard as they are being loaded into the cattle truck to be relocated. This option may not be available to everyone.

EQC clean up announced

The Earthquake Commission (EQC) will take the lead to remove silt and debris from flood-hit properties in Edgecumbe and support the community as it recovers.

Minister Responsible for the Earthquake Commission, Hon Gerry Brownlee, and Lead Minister for Edgecumbe, Hon Anne Tolley, have authorised EQC to clean up all affected properties in the township - including for those homeowners who do not have insurance.

This means while cost sharing arrangements are finalised with the Whakatane District Council, the government will pick up the tab for cleaning up Edgecumbe and work can fully get under way.

EQC claims can be lodged online, via email on info@eqc.govt.nz, or by calling 0800 DAMAGE (326 243).

$1 million lotteries grant for floods recovery

Internal Affairs Minister Hon Peter Dunne announced that $1 million of 2016/17 Lottery Grants Board reserves, resulting from profits of New Zealand Lotteries, has been allocated to a Lottery Grants Board Subcommittee set up to provide immediate assistance to Edgecumbe and the surrounding community affected by the Rangitaiki River stopbank breach.

Requests for assistance are for for community wellbeing, and the recovery of community facilities and services (not business and/or employment support).

The Subcommittee will consider requests until all of the $1 million has been distributed.

Requests for assistance to improve the lives and well-being of the community, including capital works up to $30,000 required for the recovery of community facilities, may be made through the Department of Internal Affairs online grant management system »